Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia have declared that one of boxing’s greatest fights in lighter weights is a done deal. After years of back-and-forth jabs and crosses off the ring, Ryan Garcia vs Gervonta Davis finally seems to be a reality.
The announcement – made public by both fighters via Instagram and Twitter – confirmed they had wanted the fight for a long time. But their promoters seemed to get in the way. Well, not anymore!
While neither “Tank” Davis nor “KingRy” Garcia gave a specific date for the fight, they both agreed that Las Vegas is where the fight will take place in 2023.
Gervonta Breaks the News on Social Media
Gervonta Davis broke this news to his followers (and the whole world) via Instagram.
Alongside Tank’s announcement, Garcia also released a message in which he advocated for the best to battle the best going forward:
I’m so pumped this fight is finally in place — I want it more than anything right now. I’ve put in the work, I’m at the prime of my career, and I know I’m going to be the biggest boxer in the world. That legacy starts today.
I’m so pumped this fight is finally in place — I want it more than anything right now. I’ve put in the work, I’m at the prime of my career, and I know I’m going to be the biggest boxer in the world. That legacy starts today???? pic.twitter.com/6Hv5y3hwMY
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) November 17, 2022
“Boxing NEEDS this fight right now,”
Garcia tweeted further.
“It’s time for us to get back to what made this sport so great for the fans: Glamorous fights in places like Las Vegas, grudge match storylines, and most importantly — the best fighting the best.”
Boxing NEEDS this fight right now. It’s time for us to get back to what made this sport so great for the fans: Glamorous fights in places like Las Vegas, grudge match storylines, and most importantly — the best fighting the best.
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) November 17, 2022
I love connecting with new, young fans, and I know I can bring a new generation to the most beautiful sport in the world. It’s time to get down to business and show everyone what boxing is all about.
I love connecting with new, young fans, and know that I can bring a new generation into the most beautiful sport in the world. It’s time to get to work, and show everyone what boxing is all about…
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) November 17, 2022
As for Davis “Tank,” a man of far fewer words, he just said he was ready for this fight.
Davis will be kicking through the ropes with a record 27 wins from 27 fights. Garcia is also undefeated in 23, and together they both collectively have a sensational 44 knockout record. While Davis stands at a phenomenal 25 KOs out of his 27 wins, Garcia boasts a remarkable 19 KOs in his 23 fights unbeaten win streak.
In this fight, Premier Boxing Champion (PBC) and Golden Boy Promotion will work together to deliver one of the best fights that the lightweight division and boxing can offer today.
Ryan Garcia vs Gervonta Davis Fight Date
There’s no doubt that the whole boxing world is going crazy to know when is Ryan Garcia vs Gervonta Davis fight will take place. While the official date of the fight has yet to be finalized, insider information has leaked that it will likely be April 15, 2023, in Las Vegas.
“Tank” Davis confirmed he will have one more fight on January 7 in Washington DC, but has agreed to face Garcia in his next matchup. Again, he didn’t give an exact Gervonta Davis vs Ryan Garcia date, though.
I’ll be back in the ring January 7 stay tuned for more details! After that it’s me and Ryan signed sealed delivered…done deal!
I’ll be back in the ring Jan 7 stay tuned for more details! After that it’s me and Ryan signed sealed delivered…done deal!
— Gervonta Davis (@Gervontaa) November 17, 2022
What Weight Will the Fight be Fought At?
Despite both men achieving plenty at 135lbs, they have also made moves to compete at super-lightweight, the division above. Either weight class is fine for the contest, but don’t be surprised if we see a catchweight arrangement agreed.
ESPN’s Mike Coppinger recently tweeted to share that the bout is a 136-pound catchweight clash.
The date for Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia is April 15, sources tell ESPN. Of course, Gervonta must first emerge victorious and uninjured from a Jan. 7 tuneup. Garcia might take a tuneup in January, too. The fighters both said fight will take place in Las Vegas. https://t.co/L6tJL480C9
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) November 18, 2022
Who Gets the Broadcast Rights for Garcia vs Davis Fight?
The collaboration between the broadcasters DAZN and Showtime was the main obstacle to making the battle. However, according to DAZN’s Joe Markowski, Showtime PPV will carry the fight, keeping DAZN in the mix.
Joe Markowski, executive vice president of DAZN, confirmed that the two sides had reached an agreement in principle. The final deal is just a few details away from happening, though.
“As we’ve always said, DAZN will look to broadcast the biggest fights in boxing. We’ve worked tirelessly with our friends at Golden Boy, Showtime and Team Davis on a deal structure that suits all parties for Gervonta vs. Ryan Garcia,”
Markowski tweeted.
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As we've always said, DAZN will look to broadcast the biggest fights in boxing. We’ve worked tirelessly with our friends at Golden Boy, Showtime and Team Davis on a deal structure that suits all parties for @Gervontaa x @RyanGarcia
— Joe Markowski (@joemarkowski) November 17, 2022
He further shared:
“Everyone at DAZN Boxing is thrilled that an agreement in principle has been reached between the parties. That agreement is subject to contracts, which are yet to be exchanged.”
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Everyone at @DAZNBoxing is thrilled that an agreement in principle has been reached between the parties. That agreement is subject to contract, which are yet to be exchanged.
— Joe Markowski (@joemarkowski) November 17, 2022
The hunger for Davis vs. Garcia had been in the masses for about two years. Davis (27-0) holds multiple world championships in three weight classes and is considered one of the best modern-day lightweights in the world. Similarly, Garcia (23-0) is a top-10 lightweight looking to take a big step toward becoming the best in the world.
Showtime Sports President Stephen Espinoza praised Davis and Garcia for their continued determination to make the fight happen despite all the hurdles and variables involved.
“Tank Davis vs. Ryan Garcia is one of the biggest and most exciting fights that can be made in boxing. We have two supremely talented boxers, both in their prime, who have amassed huge fanbases, meeting in a career-defining fight,”
Espinoza said in a statement. He carried on to say:
“This is the epitome of a crossover boxing event. All credit to Tank and Ryan for staying the course and giving the fans the fight they want.”
Golden Boy Promotions confirmed that they are working diligently to finalize the deal.
“The fans have been crystal clear that the fight they want is Ryan versus Tank,”
founder Oscar De La Hoya wrote in a statement shared by the company.
“Golden Boy Promotions and I are proud to be leading the drive to get this fight signed and are excited to get a deal finalized ASAP.
“It’s high time that those outside the ring stop getting in the way of those who want nothing more than to get into the ring and fight. Our motto has always been that the fans come first, and this is just another example of how we’re leading by example.”
According to sources, Showtime, the network that exclusively airs Davis events, will take care of the production and distribution of the Davis-Garcia pay-per-view. On the other hand, DAZN, which broadcasts Garcia’s fights, will provide PPV for this historic bout through its service.
Could Tank Davis-Ryan Garcia reach 1M PPV’s if Floyd and Oscar play a big role in the promotion?
WATCH: https://t.co/MNjUWJxff6 pic.twitter.com/1j7TZIWGB8
— Dan Canobbio (@DanCanobbio) June 9, 2022
Why is Garcia vs Davis Such a Big Fight?
Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis are identified as two of America’s most exciting boxers. Since both landed at 135lbs, speculation has heavily linked both to a fight, with their mentors pulling the strings from behind.
Davis has been brought along nicely by Floyd Mayweather’s promotional group, with Oscar De La Hoya providing the path for Garcia.
The fact that former rivals have mentored both men adds even more intrigue to this superb feud.
This is what De la Hoya said about the fight a little while ago:
“The perfect scenario is Ryan Garcia versus Tank Davis, right?”
De La Hoya, who promotes Garcia, told TMZ Sports.
“And the crazy part is that Floyd Mayweather is Tank Davis’ promoter, and I’m Ryan Garcia’s promoter, so it will be. Imagine me and Floyd putting on the gloves after Ryan and Tank. It would be the Super Bowl of boxing.”
This matchup has it all – two power punches with incredible hand speed and, perhaps most importantly, no apparent weaknesses. Both fighters are stars who appeal to a much younger crowd.
Each of them enjoys a unique following. And while it could be argued that Usyk vs Fury and Errol Spence-Terence Crawford mean more in terms of boxing prestige, Tank vs Garcia will transition to the mainstream in a way that these two matchups may not.
This will set up an action-packed fight between two undefeated boxers, putting the winner on the pound-for-pound list.
What’s at Stake in Gervonta Davis vs Ryan Garcia Clash?
Almost certainly, the fight will take place at 136 pounds catchweight. Both boxers are already competing at 135 and 140 pounds, getting plenty of flexibility going forward.
With Devin Haney and Vasiliy Lomachenko negotiating to square off Haney’s undisputed 135-pound title in 2023, the four titles could be off the table for both Garcia and Davis. At 140 pounds, the titles are now splintered ahead of Josh Taylor’s rematch with Jack Catterall on February 4.
The reality is Davis vs Garcia is much bigger than belts. The winner will increase their star power exponentially and should be able to chart their own path into the future.
However, barring a ruthless KO, this looks like a fight where both boxers will raise their stock entering the action. Making a game this big is always a win.
Who Has the Edge in This Mega Battle?
Davis appears to be the betting favorite, and quite rightly so. But it looks like a 50-50 fight across the board, considering the broader perspective.
Both boxers remain largely untested, and each will make a big step up in class when they face each other.
Davis’ best win remains a seventh-round knockout of Jose Pedraza in 2017, which earned him his only world title, the 130-pound belt. Garcia’s signature win was a seventh-round TKO of Luke Campbell last year.
Both boxers have extremely fast hands. But many pundits believe Garcia’s hand speed is the best in the sport. He’s also much taller and stronger than Davis. Garcia is 5-foot-11, while Davis is 5-foot-5.
However, Davis is the better boxer. The key to the fight will remain who uses their “superpower” better than the other; Garcia’s left hook vs Davis’ southpaw jab.
Concluding Garcia vs Tank: Boxing Fans Are the Winner in This Fight
Irrespective of the Gervonta Davis vs Ryan Garcia results, boxing will be the big winner in this contest.
It has become quite a norm for fans to end up with failed negotiations in big fights. Terence Crawford vs Errol Spence can be a good example here. They witness fighters squaring against each other more on social media than in the boxing ring.
With this in perspective, Gervonta Davis vs Ryan Garcia is expected to draw a lot of attention to boxing, having the full potential to be a dynamic fight in all respects.
“In today’s splintered environment, when you have a chance to make a big fight, you have to,”
says Taffet, a former HBO Sports executive.
“You can’t keep disappointing consumers. You have to make big fights.”
So, here comes one of the biggest and hottest fights of the year. And rest assured, RDX Sports will continue bringing the latest and the best on Gervonta Davis vs Ryan Garcia as the days pass by. Stay tuned!
