British boxing legend, Carl Froch, has had his say on the recent blockbuster clash between Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia.
In what was billed as a fight to crown ‘the face of boxing’, turned out to be a mostly one sided affair. Although Garcia started strong he over committed in the second round and Davis picked his moment and put him on the canvas for only the second time in his career.
From that moment ‘King Ry’ looked hesitant to let his hands go, wary of what might come back and ‘Tank’ proceeded to control the rounds. Just when it looked like Garcia’s confidence was returning he got caught with a subtle body shot and after a short delay took a knee.
He watched as the referee counted, with most assuming he’ll make an attempt to get back to his feet, but he only did so after being counted out.
Pundits seem split whether the young American simply decided enough was enough or whether he was simply in too much pain to continue.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Froch, a former four-time world champion, has made his opinion clear – and he’s firmly in the ‘quit’ camp.
“As far as I’m concerned, if you stay down to a body and you haven’t got broken ribs – which he didn’t cause he walking round giving hugs and handshakes to people after – you’ve got to get off the canvas.
Stand up, take your licks, go out on your shield, don’t stay down from a body shot. If you [don’t], you’ve quit. For me, Ryan Garcia quit. It’s not good enough. You’ve got to stay in there, you’ve got climb off the canvas.”
‘The Cobra’ described what’s it like to get hit to the body and how best to deal with it.
“I’ve been hit with numerous body shots in numerous world title fights, you can’t breathe, you get hit in the stomach it’s almost like it paralyses you, you can’t breathe in. How have to hold your breath, it might take 10 or 15 seconds, move and get out of harms way.
Take a knee, you give yourself a chance of surviving, so take the knee, take the breather and live to fight another round. That’s my warrior mentality and that’s why I say Garcia quit.”
During the build up a lot was made of the 136lb catchweight and a strict 10lb rehydration clause. Garcia has since announced he’ll be moving up to 140lbs having felt weak on the night.