Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia | Showtime PPV - April 22, 2023

[Evander]

Body way open too.

[KiwiRider]

If Garcia has the stamina to keep it long and cautious, then that's his only path.
Any other variable or he engages, or takes his foot off the gas and he gets stopped.
If Luke Campbell can have him seeing stars, Tank can spark him out fully.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight Night!!

[apollo creed]

If Garcia..........???

This is a cherrypick fight for Tank. Garcia is gonna be drained and he is fighting with a poor defense and no real solid skills. He is like the lamb to the slaughter. This is a big money grab-joke fight.

Ryan is probably very happy that he is cash in big time atm. Tank too.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Stats and Stakes

Gervonta Davis

Age: 28
Titles: None*
Previous Titles: IBF Super Featherweight (2017, 1 Defense); WBA Super Featherweight (2018-19, 2 Defenses; 2020-21)
Height: 5’5 ½
Weight: 135 lbs.
Stance: Southpaw
Hails from: Baltimore, Maryland
Record: 28-0, 26 KO
Press Rankings: #1 (TBRB), #2 (Ring, BoxRec), #3 (ESPN)
Record in Major Title Fights: 6-0, 6 KO (11-0, 10 KO including WBA sub-titles)
Last Five Opponents: 115-2-2 (.975)
Notable Outcomes, Ring/TBRB Rated Foes: Jose Pedraza TKO7; Leo Santa Cruz KO6; Mario Barrios TKO11; Isaac Cruz UD12; Hector Garcia TKO9
Additional Current/Former Titlists Faced: Hugo Ruiz KO1; Yuriorkis Gamboa TKO12

*Holds WBA sub-title at lightweight, attempting 5th defense; also held WBA sub-title at Jr. welterweight in 2021

vs.

Ryan Garcia

Age: 24
Title/Previous Titles: None
Height: 5’10
Weight: 135 ½ lbs.
Stance: Orthodox
Hails from: Los Angeles, California
Record: 23-0, 19 KO
Rankings: #3 (TBRB, Ring), #6 (BoxRec); #6 at 140 (ESPN)
Record in Major Title Fights: N/A
Last Five Opponents: 135-10-3 (.922)
Notable Outcomes, TBRB and/or Ring Rated Foes: Luke Campbell TKO7; Emanuel Tagoe UD12; Javier Fortuna KO6
Additional Current/Former Titlists Faced: None

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight Picks

Here’s how the experts see it:

DOUG FISCHER: DAVIS TKO
“I think it will be a low-volume boxing match, at least during long stretches over the first half of the bout, due to the respect the lightweights have for each other’s power. Both will look to set traps and clip the other with their vaunted left hands, which could make the crowd antsy at times, but the matchup will inevitably produce explosive exchanges that will add the intensity and thrills that fans tuned in for. I think Davis will take his time in the early rounds and likely get outpointed by Garcia, who will fire off fast, long-range jabs and straight rights. If Davis gets even grazed by one of Garcia’s hooks, I expect him to grab and hold on until his head clears. Once in the middle rounds, Davis will begin to punch with more authority and rattle the confidence of the younger, lesser-experienced fighter. I think Joe Goossen will help Garcia keep it together in-between rounds, but Davis’ punch variety (especially with the left landing to the chest and head) will gradually take the influencer’s legs and produce knockdowns that prompt either the Garcia corner or the referee to wave the bout off. Davis late TKO.”

ANSON WAINWRIGHT: DAVIS TKO 9
“This is a new age fight between two very popular fighters. I think the promotional build-up has been fun. However, inside the ring, I feel one was born to do this and the other has worked hard to become what he is. God-gifted usually wins out, and I see no difference here. Davis will take a look at Garcia early on and then close the distance and start to land his own shots. Garcia has never been in with anyone like Davis, and that will show. I think Davis will break down Garcia and stop him in around nine rounds.”

LEE GROVES: DAVIS KO 10
“The contrasts between the two will make this a fascinating fight, and if Garcia is to win, he will need to inflict significant damage sometime during the first three rounds when Davis is in study hall mode, because 14 of his 19 knockouts have occurred in the first two rounds. But in order to fully exploit Davis’ slow start, Garcia must generate sufficient work rate, and his statistical history suggests he fights at a modest pace. Also, while Garcia will enjoy considerable height and reach advantages, he is not a long-range, points-oriented boxer by nature; he is a predatory puncher who happens to have long levers. Meanwhile, once Davis identifies his proper range and starts to let his hands go, he connects with incredible precision and power. The guess is that Garcia may win the early rounds, but his fate will be sealed once Davis downloads, then unloads.”

​DIEGO MORILLO: GARCIA KO 6
“It may appear as a brutal departure from the idea that Davis is the most experienced and battle-hardened of the pair (and he certainly is), but I am seriously inclined to go with the shocker here. Garcia wants this fight, badly, and for a reason. He knows he needs a signature win to put his career on track to superstardom, and if his GPS-laser-guided left hook finds a way to crash on Davis’ most vulnerable spots, he will be in position to score his first career-defining win with a bang. Not betting my rent money on this, but I still expect Garcia to turn all that pent-up anger and frustration into a memorable performance.”

​MARTY MULCAHEY: GARCIA PTS
“It is great to see these guys finally meet in the ring after barking at each other on social media for two years. It could be that Gervonta Davis waited a year too long, allowing Ryan Garcia to mature physically and in terms of boxing experience. In a relatively even matchup I fall back to one of my most basic theories on boxing: speed over power. I think Garcia is the faster of the duo with his hands or fists, and given Tank’s inability to track down foes until four or five rounds have passed, it could cost him on the scorecards. The other big question is if Garcia can stand up to Davis’ vaunted power. I believe he can, partially because Garcia is the bigger man (5 inches taller, 3-inch reach advantage) and partially because I think Garcia will see Davis’ punches coming. Garcia will have to survive an onslaught in the championship rounds, but I think a final tally in the area of 7 rounds to 5 in favor of Garcia will be the outcome.”

NORM FRAUENHEIM: DAVIS TKO 9
“Ryan Garcia promises a nap. Tank Davis promises violence. Pick violence. Tank simply has more ways to deliver what he promises than Garcia, who might add a few more tricks to his left hook. Davis has dismissed Garcia as one-dimensional. But that was before the Joe Goossen dimension arrived in Garcia’s corner. Goossen and Garcia have been together for two fights since Garcia left Eddy Reynoso. They’ve learned about each other and perhaps learned enough to add to Garcia’s skill set. He’ll need every new trick he’s practiced in the gym. The complication, however, rests in the contract’s rehydration clause. It threatens to leave Garcia fatigued just when Davis is at his punishing best.”

———————

BOXING INSIDERS

DUKE MCKENZIE (FORMER THREE-DIVISION TITLEHOLDER/TV ANALYST): DAVIS TKO
“The much-anticipated showdown is fast approaching. This fight will be painfully one-sided, aesthetically. Garcia looks great, tall, rangy, nice boxer but clearly in my mind hasn’t boxed anybody remotely near Davis’ class. There is a misconception that Davis is purely a knockout specialist; however, he is much more than that, a patient predator and an excellent boxer who matures from fight to fight. This won’t last more than seven rounds. As soon as Davis gets close enough to land any one of his trademark punches, like the left uppercut or the right hook or the overhand left, it’s lights out. I cannot make a case for Garcia winning this fight. Garcia would be well-served not to engage with Davis at any point in the fight. His only hope of winning this fight would be to put on a boxing masterclass display for 12 rounds — thus far no one has managed to do that against Davis.”

MARC RAMSAY (TRAINER): DAVIS TKO 8
“I find that this fight is hard to predict. There are many elements that can influence the result of this fight, like the fact that Garcia looks so big next to Davis. The weight at which they signed the contract, the rehydration clause, etc. The fact both boxers are good punchers — who will connect with the other first? But at the end of the day, a good boxer is a good boxer and I believe Davis is more complete than Garcia and will eventually dominate this fight. I see Davis stopping Garcia in the last part of the fight.”

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN (PROMOTER, EYE OF THE TIGER PROMOTIONS): DAVIS PTS
“Davis will have to work hard to get on the inside and get past Garcia’s reach. But the upright chin of Garcia and his often-loose guard should give Davis the opportunities he needs to win the fight unequivocally. I see Davis winning a decision.”

SERGIO MORA (FORMER JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLEHOLDER/ COMMENTATOR): DAVIS TKO
“I can visualize this fight getting physical to violent really quick. Tank usually doesn’t start fast, but Ryan will make him change that. Both will want to send a message and won’t back down until someone goes down. I can see both getting hurt, maybe both going down too. And that type of fight favors Davis. I like Tank under five rounds.”

​TOM GRAY (FORMER MANAGING EDITOR FOR THE RING): GARCIA UD
“I can feel the heat already. I’ve thought long and hard about this fight and can make a strong case for either guy. Ultimately, I’m going against the grain on both the result and the method of victory. The talk is that this fight can’t go the distance, but I disagree. Tank has never been down as a pro, and I can’t even recall him being stunned. Garcia has been down once, courtesy of Luke Campbell, and he shook it off and scored a stoppage. Both men are in their 20s and they don’t know how to lose. Garcia has been upselling his left hook throughout the build-up, which could be subterfuge. He has enormous advantages in terms of height and reach and would benefit from keeping it long. If he fights to his strengths and picks Tank off, I can see Garcia winning a comfortable decision in the biggest fight of his life.”

KATHY DUVA (PROMOTER, MAIN EVENTS): DAVIS
“Let me start by saying that I love Ryan Garcia. He is a throwback fighter in the sense that he wants to fight the very best. He demanded this fight and I don’t believe that the fight would be happening had he not done so. So, my heart is most definitely with him. However, my gut tells me that Davis is likely to stop Garcia during one of the middle rounds. Let’s say the fifth. Davis is just too rugged and his power is real. He will test Garcia’s chin early. Meanwhile, Garcia will likely be too eager to engage. And I just don’t think Garcia has the firepower to keep Davis off of him for too long.”

JOLENE MIZZONE (MANAGER): GARCIA UD
“This was a very hard pick for me. When the fight was first made, I was going with Davis 100 percent, but the more I looked into it, I think Davis may have a problem with Garcia’s reach and height. If Garcia sticks to the game plan that Goossen gives him, I think he can pull it off. Watching Ryan through the years and seeing how much he has matured is a plus for me too. The concerning point for me with Ryan is the time off, but everyone deals with ring rust differently. In every fight, a game plan is so important, but in this one it is key. Ryan was also knocked down before and handled it well. Can he do the same if Davis has him down? I think distance is going to be the key in this fight. I’m also the one who loves to go with the underdog.”

BOBBY BENTON (TRAINER): DAVIS TKO
“I think it’s a good fight, only because I don’t know what’s going to happen. Tank wins, but Ryan has a good chance. I think Ryan is better than everyone thinks. I go with Tank by late stoppage.”

​ALEX STEEDMAN (COMMENTATOR): GARCIA PTS
“So looking forward to this and so tough to call. Initial thought was Garcia’s height, reach and particularly speed would be the key, but Gervonta’s pedigree, skill and seasoning are significant. It may be one of those fights where Garcia dominates the pattern, then walks onto a shot. Or maybe he sees it out to the end with little drama. Maybe Davis only needs one shot, Wilder style. Davis has the best record and is the ‘one to beat,’ but Garcia could be anything. I’m pushed to say Garcia by decision.”

RUDY HERNANDEZ (TRAINER): DAVIS
“Very interesting fight. Two talented fighters with fan-friendly styles and power. This is a fight as a boxing guy you don’t want either one to lose; they’re both good for boxing. They bring crowds to arenas. The fight will start slow. They’re both calculating fighters and counterpunchers. They’re going to try and time each other, figure each other out. This fight is explosive. ‘My’ perfect ending would be a draw, but that’s not happening. This one shall end in a knockout. What makes this such a hard fight to predict? They’re both used to fighting one another’s size. So, no advantage for anyone there. I flipped a coin… and the coin picked Davis. We’re going to get a great fight when they let those hands go. I do really want both to win. They’re both good for boxing.”

​WAYNE MCCULLOUGH (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ TRAINER): GARCIA UD
“Garcia will have the height and weight advantage on fight night, but Davis has more power. Garcia’s best weapons would be to hold the center of the ring and use his jabs and movement to confuse his opponent. Davis does have the big punch in his right hooks and overhand lefts, but I think he may try too much for the KO instead of winning rounds. I can see Garcia taking advantage of that, and he’ll pick Davis off with long left jabs and straight left and rights to build up enough points and pull out a unanimous decision on the scorecards.”

RAUL MARQUEZ (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/COMMENTATOR): DAVIS KO 9
“Biggest fight in boxing. Tank fills up arenas. Ryan Garcia’s a social media star and a good boxer. Both cross over to mainstream. I see slow rounds at the beginning, both being cautious trying to figure each other out. Good exchanges in the middle rounds by both, but the difference is Tank’s boxing IQ. Always setting traps and on the lookout for openings. Tank lands the home run in later rounds. Tank KO Round 9.”

JOHN SCULLY (TRAINER): DAVIS PTS
“I think it’s a very interesting fight, because while I feel Gervonta is the favorite, I think Ryan brings many intangibles that bring him a great chance to win. I think he is going to test Gervonta very intensely for as long as it lasts. I feel it could end up being a somewhat ugly-looking fight with a lot of emotions involved. If I had to bet, I would say that Tank comes through with a tough decision victory. But if Ryan wins the fight, I won’t be surprised at all.”

BOB SANTOS (MANAGER/TRAINER): DAVIS
“I think it’s going to be a tremendous fight. Great for boxing. Both men’s stock is going to rise for taking these types of fights. I think Ryan will be at his most dangerous in the first six rounds. Tank will figure him out and take control of the fight in the latter half of the fight. I have Tank winning in the end. He has much more experience in big moments.”

FINAL TALLY: DAVIS 14-6

[Oiky]

Fight day can't wait

[dickbelden]

what time ET is the 146 pound weigh in TODAY?

[Ruthless-RKO]

[lookingaround87]

This implies the people who are watching it via a stream would pay for it if they didn't have a stream available, and I don't think that's the case at all. There's no way on earth I'd ever pay for this, if a stream wasn't available. My gut instinct is that overwhelming majority of people who stream are the same. They'd simply find it on the internet the next day.

[joshj909]

[Ruthless-RKO]

Ryan Garcia Comes In At 144.9 Pounds For 2nd-Day Weigh-In, Gervonta Davis Weighs 144.1

[KiwiRider]

This implies the people who are watching it via a stream would pay for it if they didn't have a stream available, and I don't think that's the case at all. There's no way on earth I'd ever pay for this, if a stream wasn't available. My gut instinct is that overwhelming majority of people who stream are the same. They'd simply find it on the internet the next day.

Americans getting charged $85, well that ain't working man's money, not in this economy.

[gregregegg]

Ryan Garcia Comes In At 144.9 Pounds For 2nd-Day Weigh-In, Gervonta Davis Weighs 144.1

Surprised tank came in 2 lb under…. Defiantly cut more than 10lb, just tuned his hydration a bit slow I guess…. Both will be over 150 walking in.

Garcia was probably 160 a week ago, not that he will be able to hydrate back all the way to his week ago weight, but there’s more to put back for sure.

[adislav123]

Ryan Garcia Comes In At 144.9 Pounds For 2nd-Day Weigh-In, Gervonta Davis Weighs 144.1

Surprised tank came in 2 lb under…. Defiantly cut more than 10lb, just tuned his hydration a bit slow I guess…. Both will be over 150 walking in.

Garcia was probably 160 a week ago, not that he will be able to hydrate back all the way to his week ago weight, but there’s more to put back for sure.

so it was for both of them.

really doesn't make a lot of sense this stipulation

both will put on at least 10 pounds more til the bell rings.

was obviously done just because they could, maybe that's the way how tank normally puts back on the weight and to fvck a bit with Garcia's rehydration. I doubt it's bothering him.

still absolutely unnecessary shit stipulation.

[JxhDel.]

29 - 28 Bek. They are both too gun-shy for obvious reasons.

[JxhDel.]

59 - 55 Bek. He has matured and gotten confident, doing the minimum to win safely.

[adislav123]

I missed that turd. a class A malignant shit biscuit. completely out of touch with reality. calling people thieves. has he any idea what's going on in the world? braindead rick.

[JxhDel.]

99 - 91 Bek. Enough now, Gabe.

[JxhDel.]

Falcao had no hope. If Ryder landed himself a shot against Nelo in some fashion, Morrell could be a better opponent for sure.

[Post 4 Post]

Very disappointed in Ryan's efforts and performance! In hindsight he was exposed for being a hypejob that wasn't ready to step up from the competition he has been fighting in!

To think he is a young, prime, undefeated fighter in his biggest step up in comp & his biggest fight of his career to date & fail like this is telling!

Garcia showed he is not only ready for the step up but also doesn't want it enough with this poor performance.


From round 1 Ryan did absolutely nothing he should have been doing to win, was barely throwing enough to give himself a chance. Wasn't using his jab, length/height..just standing infront of Davis..withing punching range and not throwing to hurt, score, set up, disrupt or discourage low workrate Tank!

He was doing his best work by throwing in the 2nd until he got caught. That KD took away any confidence or gameplan he had going into the fight. After that he was only hoping to land the left hook when he had tons of openings for the right hand..or jab! He waited to long, became gunshy and in the process had no gameplan and lost his confidence to not only throw but put anything on his shots, in fear of counters. He looked like a complete amateur!! Not like Tank showed up and put on some kind of performance either!
Ryan just didn't show he was ready or wanted it enough, he didn't believe in himself or his abilities and feel he chose not to get up and continue!

He was better off getting KO'd in the 1st or 2nd round and hope for the argument that it was a lucky shot..or get KO'D in the 1st from a firey fight..at least you may he excused or look good in a loss..or have your stock rise in a loss. He hasn't even left enough interest or argument for a rematch!

[gregregegg]

I wouldn’t right off someone because they couldent beat tank… styalisticaly a bad one for Garcia, Garcia wants to throw blistering offence but exposes himself to counters and tank is one of the scariest counters in the game

Garcia still has some of the best offence in the game, and is only 24, think he can easily come again.

Only real concern is he could of defiantly made that count, in a fight this big it would of been nice for him to do so even if it ment running for a min or 2, but you never quite know how particular body shots feel o guess… quit once you can quit again…

[adislav123]

Very disappointed in Ryan's efforts and performance! In hindsight he was exposed for being a hypejob that wasn't ready to step up from the competition he has been fighting in!

To think he is a young, prime, undefeated fighter in his biggest step up in comp & his biggest fight of his career to date & fail like this is telling!

Garcia showed he is not only ready for the step up but also doesn't want it enough with this poor performance.


From round 1 Ryan did absolutely nothing he should have been doing to win, was barely throwing enough to give himself a chance. Wasn't using his jab, length/height..just standing infront of Davis..withing punching range and not throwing to hurt, score, set up, disrupt or discourage low workrate Tank!

He was doing his best work by throwing in the 2nd until he got caught. That KD took away any confidence or gameplan he had going into the fight. After that he was only hoping to land the left hook when he had tons of openings for the right hand..or jab! He waited to long, became gunshy and in the process had no gameplan and lost his confidence to not only throw but put anything on his shots, in fear of counters. He looked like a complete amateur!! Not like Tank showed up and put on some kind of performance either!
Ryan just didn't show he was ready or wanted it enough, he didn't believe in himself or his abilities and feel he chose not to get up and continue!

He was better off getting KO'd in the 1st or 2nd round and hope for the argument that it was a lucky shot..or get KO'D in the 1st from a firey fight..at least you may he excused or look good in a loss..or have your stock rise in a loss. He hasn't even left enough interest or argument for a rematch!

but he was drained he wasn't 100. they have to do the rematch.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Boxing fans can be the worst.

Ask for big fights. 50-50 fights etc:

When one of them loses..

“He was shite anyway”

Or “he’s a bum” or “he beat a bum”

[cfang]