Promoter Eddie Hearn has ‘switched his pick’ for the upcoming super fight between Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia.
The fighters will throw down in Las Vegas on April 22 at a catchweight of 136lb in what could easily be the biggest fight of the year.
Back in January, Hearn told The DAZN Boxing Show that ‘Tank’ would have too much for Garcia whilst still giving the underdog ‘a shot.’
“He’s gonna get hit against Ryan Garcia, right? Ryan Garcia is very long, he has very fast hands. Where he [Davis] struggled a little bit against Hector Garcia with the range. Well Ryan Garcia has even more range than Hector Garcia, and he punches harder.”
“I give Ryan Garcia a shot in this fight, no question about it. But if you’re asking me who wins, I say ‘Tank’ Davis.”
Now, the promoter, who actually attempted to stage the fight at one point, backs Garcia based on the press conference and fighter praise. He explained to ES News.
“I’m a big ‘Tank’ Davis fan. I really rate him as a fighter … He’s a special fighter.
Just at the press conference, I don’t know… The problem is, is Ryan’s resume is quite weak in general … and ‘Tank’ I think has been in harder fights against better opposition on the bigger stages.
But the one thing I will say is, I’m quite surprised that the people in boxing that know them well give Ryan a fantastic chance in the fight. People like Devin [Haney] and Shakur [Stevenson] – they rate Ryan Garcia, so he’s obviously a tremendous fighter.
I’m gonna go with Ryan Garcia. I’m gonna switch my pick.”
The swing in predictions perhaps sums up the intrigue surrounding the bout, and only adds to the spectacle:
Two undefeated fighters in their prime putting it all on the line despite easier options out there, promotional conflicts and separate broadcaster commitments.