When it comes to this generation of boxing, few names are as recognizable as Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia. Both men are among the top talents in the Lightweight division and have been on collision course for years. While some of it may be elementary, let’s create a holistic picture of their respective careers, fighting styles, and their strengths and weaknesses. To keep with the LVX Boxing motif of being armchair experts, we’ll also explore potential strategies for each fighter now that the highly anticipated fight is set for April 22nd. So without further ado…
Tank’s Record
Davis has an impressive professional record of 28 wins, 26 by knockout, and no losses. He has won a major title in two division, having won the IBF Super Featherweight title by stopping Jose Pedraza in the 7th round. After a successful defense, he lost his belt on the scales on the eve of facing Francisco Fonseca. His next bout was against Argentina's Jesus Cuellar, who was coming off a bit of a lay-off, for the WBA Super Super Featherweight title. Despite some difficulties outside of the ring in the intervening years, he scored a sensational knockout over Leo Santa Cruz in October of 2020 to cement himself among the elite of the world. He is considered by many to be one of the best boxers in the world and is undoubtedly one of the most exciting fighters to watch, even if Devin Haney holds the superior version of the title Tank carries.
Garcia’s Record
Garcia also boasts an undefeated record of 23 wins with 19 by way of knockout. While KingRy hasn't captured a major title yet, he does have the number one contender spot to Haney's WBC belt, just as Tank has the mandatory challenger's position for the WBA. Garcia's resume lacks name recognition when compared to Tank's and Garcia did suffer his first knockdown in the second round of his bout with Luke Campbell, rallying to win by stoppage in the 7th. Knockdown notwithstanding, Garcia is not to be taken lightly - he's made it this far on more than just tenacity.
Fighting Styles
Davis is undoubtedly known for the obscene power in his left hand. While he can be a bit of a slow starter, the cliche of "downloading" his opponent's plan and style definitely rings true. His outings against Rolando Romero and Hector Garcia are clear examples of what Davis is capable of when, not if, he gets a read on an opponent.
Ryan Garcia tends to fight a bit more rangy and working off the opponent's aggression, using his unreal hand speed to land sharp counters that have a considerable bit of pop behind them. The setup for that left comes from a variety of methods and the placement is typically lethal.
Analyzing Strengths and Weaknesses
Gervonta Davis’s key attribute is his power. He is able to land powerful punches that have left opponents unable to see properly. While he may seem to be slower to start, he is very calculating and methodically analyzing his opponents. His weaknesses are few, if any, but one could argue those methodical starts are to his detriment if his power is unable to end the fight early. There is also a question of his size, having faced a shorter opponent once in recent memory.
Ryan Garcia’s key attribute is his speed. He is able to land powerful shots before opponents even realize he's thrown a punch, which can be difficult for his opponents to defend against. He is less aggressive in the sense of coming forward, but he is aggressive in laying traps and feinting to bait opponents for a swift counter. His main weakness would have to be a questionable chin. Luke Campbell was able to floor Garcia early in their fight, which calls to question what would happen if Tank lands a punch like that. Garcia got off the deck to win the fight suing his lightning quick hands to stop Campbell.
Strategizing
When Davis and Garcia meet in April, there should definitely be fireworks. Garcia would need to use his physical attributes to build a lead on Tank, forcing an urgent counteroffensive press that would allow Garcia to set up his deadly counter left hook. However, pressing early would also be giving Tank the bandwidth to download faster. He would need to be careful not to get too reckless and leave himself to Tank's lethal power. Garcia's physical attributes aren't as considerable as previous Tank opponents, so he can't use to the degree he may wish when Davis isn't being moved around the way he wants as he imposes himself.
If Ryan Garcia were to face off against Gervonta Davis, he would need to use his speed and technical ability to outmaneuver Davis. He would need to use his footwork and ability to land shots from awkward angles to keep Davis off balance. He would also need to be careful not to get too reckless and leave himself open to counters.
Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia are two of the best fighters in the world and the upcoming matchup between them is one of the most anticipated fights in the sport. Both men have impressive professional records and fighting styles that make them exciting fighters to watch independently of each other, let alone with each other. No matter who comes out on top, Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia are among the best fighters in the world and any matchup between them would be an incredible spectacle. April 22nd will answer the questions and begin the warring of the Four Princes.
