Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia came face to face for the first time since announcing their 136lb catchweight fight set to land in the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas on April 22.
In a sadly rare show of stellar matchmaking in the sport, two undefeated boxers in their fighting prime go head to head in Sin City, and the first presser has made things official.
Legend of the sport, Bernard Hopkins, set the stage for what he called ‘two future hall-of-famers’, and both promotions and broadcasters had a chance to sell their side. The event had that mega-fight feel, as summed up well by Oscar De La Hoya.
Leonard Ellerbe spoke on behalf of Davis, despite reports of a split, and said there was ‘a lot of sunshine in New York City’ – a veiled dig at rival promoter, Eddie Hearn, who sang ‘ain’t no sunshine when Tank’s gone.’
Garcia (23-0, 19 KOs) skipped the opportunity for a tune-up fight, meaning he enters the ring with eight months of inactivity to shake off. He complimented Davis before hinting at being on the worse end of the deal when it comes to fight terms.
“We really came together and really conquering the poison that’s been stopping boxing from having the biggest fights. To be a champion, you have to beat the best.
It’s not about the titles, it’s about who you beat – it’s a testimony for the respect I’ve got for him [Davis] as a fighter.”
“During this whole journey I definitely put boxing first, and the fans first, because I had to accept a lot of stipulations. They know it. Going down in weight. Rehydration clause. I don’t wanna bring up too much.
But those are the little things that I said to myself if I put myself first, I should say no. But my heart don’t let me. I got the character of a champion and my power comes from within and from above.
“I don’t look like I hit hard, but I do hit hard. The punches they come quick but when they hit you, you just down.”
“We settle it in the ring, whoever wins holds the crown. Let’s get it.”
Davis (28-0, 26 KOs) – who is coming off a stoppage win over Hector Luis Garcia in January – was almost comically late. He paid respect to ‘King’ Ryan and focused on his upbringing.
“We back at it. This time we got another dance partner … It’s going to be tough, but this is what we came to do. I’ve been boxing since I was seven years old.
I fought a lot coming up, so I’m just happy to be a part of this moment, sharing the ring with a young fighter like Ryan Garcia that’s willing to dare hisself to be great.
He talked himself into this fight and April 22nd he gonna have to be able to show it. I’m coming from Baltimore city, a lot of people don’t make it from there.”
The pair were mostly respectful as they fielded questions and shielded game plans, the only real back and forth being about ‘Tank’s timekeeping. Garcia guaranteed a classic fight.
When the talking was done, the fighters came face-to-face, Garcia showing off his height advantage beside the fearless ‘Tank.’ Then began the most conversational part of the presser – unfortunately for fans what was said may never be revealed.
The road to #DavisGarcia starts now 🔥@Gervontaa 🆚 @RyanGarcia April 22 on SHO PPV 👊 pic.twitter.com/A7AK32ehm2
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) March 8, 2023
With 45 knockouts between them and only six shared fights going the distance, the two young stars have all the tools to deliver on the hype, which is palpable even six weeks out.
It will be a co-promotion between PBC and Golden Boy, and will be broadcast on both Showtime and DAZN – both pay-per-view of course, but fans aren’t likely to have any complaints this time around.