Tomorrow, Saturday, April 22, 2023, Gervonta “Tank “Davis (28-0,26KO) will face “King” Ryan Garcia (23-0,19KO) in a long-awaited, highly anticipated bout. This is a fight that has been years in the making. Both Davis and Garcia are young, undefeated, fast, and powerful fighters. Most pundits and fans alike see this as an all-action contest, that will end within 12 rounds. Who do I think is going to win? Let us find out.

As I look more and more at the matchup, this is a pick-em fight simply because both fighters possess the power to end the fight early at any moment. Garcia has both the height (5’10 versus Davis who is 5/7) and reach (70 in. versus 67 in. for Davis) to make tip the fight in his favor. The issue is that Ryan does not fight tall. He does not utilize his jab enough. Fighting an aggressive smaller fighter in Davis, a jab would be able to keep Davis away and off Garcia, while setting up power shots of his own. Garcia prefers to utilize his fast hands, and power as a deterrent to most foes. He is also a very solid body puncher, which could help him in this fight.

If Ryan is going to win this fight, he is going to have to address lapses in his defense. At times, his hands do not come to protect his face after throwing, or his head will remain upright allowing leaving him open to being countered (See: Garcia vs. Campbell). A mistake like this could be costly against the caliber of puncher Davis is. Davis himself is not the next coming of Pernell Whitaker. Look at the Leo Santa and Mario Barrios. He was out-landed in both fights before he ultimately earned stoppages in both. He is there to be hit, especially if he feels he can take the punches. On the other hand, he has shown the ability to utilize his boxing ability and be more methodical in his offense when necessary. In wins against Isaac Cruz, Rolly Romero Tank was very sound defensively, and showed the ability to vary his offense.

My Prediction: I feel like Tank Davis is very aware of Ryan Garcia’s speed and power, which is why I do not foresee him approaching this fight as he did in fights past. Tank has shown more aptitude to be able to adjust and vary his game plan to win. Ryan has not been pushed to that point thus far. I have Gervonta “Tank” Davis by KO in 9.