Mike Tyson has made his pick for the biggest fight of the year so far – Gervonta Davis versus Ryan Garcia.
The two undefeated young fighters meet this coming Saturday in Las Vegas at a catchweight of 136lb, with the winner leaving the ring no better off in terms of belts, but with a serious claim as boxing’s biggest young star.
Davis has been compared to Tyson for being the smaller, more ferocious man in most of his bouts. The heavyweight legend does see similarities, and he told First Take that they would factor into a win.
“I kinda lean towards Davis a little because of his style of fighting. What makes him different than most fighters is that he do what I once did – when he punches he catapults himself in the air.
Normally in the air you’re out of position, you have no leverage, but for some reason myself and Mr Davis, our best punches are when we’re leaping in the air.”
‘Iron’ Mike has praise reserved for Garcia’s favourite punch, too, but believes that the Californian will ultimately struggle to deal with ‘Tank’s power.
“What I’ve seen in Ryan Garcia is that he has a really heavy set left hook. … but I believe Gervonta Davis can handle a good puncher. He’s a really tough kid.”
“[Garcia] can handle a good punch because he got off the floor against Luke Campbell – but Gervonta Davis punches a lot different to Luke Campbell.”
Just like Tyson, the oddsmakers have Davis a slight favourite. It’s done nothing to affect Garcia’s confidence, though, and the 24-year-old believes he’s going to humble his opponent come Saturday night in Sin City.