Former world champion Danny Garcia bounced back from his lone career loss by defeating Brandon Rios via a technical knockout in Las Vegas.

Garcia returned to the ring for the first time since his 12-round split decision against Keith Thurman in their WBC, WBA welterweight bout last March.

And American Garcia emerged triumphant after flooring Rios in devastating fashion in the ninth round on Saturday.

The 29-year-old (34-1) landed a powerful right-handed punch to send Rios (34-4-1) down to the canvas.

Rios, who returned from a 19-month retirement last June, stumbled back to his feet but the referee waived the fight off at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

"I took the loss like a true champion and I came back like a champion," Garcia said during his post-fight interview, which was gate crashed by rival Shawn Porter. "I would love a rematch with Keith Thurman."