FORT LAUDERDALE - Carlos Garcia carried a black T-shirt with a photo of his childhood friend into the ring Saturday night at Warriors Collide 4 before a near-capacity crowd at War Memorial Auditorium.

The Nicaraguan grew up with boxer Hockynson Sanchez, who was shot and killed in November in a gang war clash at Miami.

The two had played football at Coral Park, where they graduated in 2005.

"He was in my thoughts and with me every step of the way tonight," said Garcia, 21, of Miami-based Young Tigers. "I brought him into the ring. He was in my heart and on my shoulders."

Garcia won his fourth 144-pound amateur bout with a three-round split decision over previously undefeated Aca Tempow of Zentao Martial Arts.

The judges had it 30-28 1/2 and 29 1/2-29 for Garcia (4-1), and 30-29 1/2 for Tempow (4-1).

"He would have been 21 [years old] two days ago," Garcia said.

"It hit me so hard when he was killed. He was a great kid."

Garcia, coming off a November loss, was more aggressive Saturday with his counters and wore down Tempow late in the third round, which turned out to be the difference.

"My opponent was really tough and I was coming off a loss, so I knew it was going to be a tough fight," Garcia said. "I am learning by my mistakes. We can all learn from our mistakes. It makes us all better.

"Tonight came down to aggressiveness and countering.

"This is the best feeling in the world.

"I love to fight for so many reasons. I have always been an aggressive person. I grew up really without a father and I can say that had a lot to do with it.

"I also fight for my countrymen who are poor and have dreams.

"But tonight was for Hockynson."