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WASHINGTON – Gervonta Davis revealed early Sunday morning that the deal for his pay-per-view showdown with Ryan Garcia isn’t quite finalized.
The undefeated knockout artist acknowledged during a post-fight press conference at Capital One Arena that Garcia hasn’t actually agreed to all terms for a 12-round, 136-pound fight that is expected to take place at some point this spring. Davis, 28, and Garcia, 24, jointly announced through their social media platforms November 17 that “the deal is done” for them to square off in 2023 in Las Vegas.
“If it’s up to me, Ryan’s definitely next,” Davis said. “We somewhat got everything, you know what I mean, going in the right direction. So, we just waiting for Ryan to accept on his side, and let’s get the job done.”
Davis’ revelation was somewhat surprising, considering both boxers have spoken as if the only thing that could’ve prevented them from fighting next was Hector Luis Garcia upsetting Davis in their Showtime Pay-Per-View main event Saturday night. Baltimore’s Davis (28-0, 26 KOs) stopped the Dominican Republic’s Garcia (16-1, 10 KOs, 3 NC) when a disoriented Garcia declined to leave his corner for the start of the ninth round.
When asked specifically during the press conference what was left to negotiate with Ryan Garcia’s team, Davis replied, “He agreed with everything,” which conflicted with his aforementioned statement.
Nevertheless, Davis didn’t seem to think that whatever’s left to settle on Garcia’s side will prevent their long-discussed fight from finally happening.
“They ready for that money,” Davis replied when informed Oscar De La Hoya, whose company promotes Ryan Garcia, wished him luck before he stopped Hector Luis Garcia. “That’s what it is. They ready to get that money, but I appreciate him for, you know, wishing me luck. You know what I mean? Ryan and Gervonta, it’s coming soon.”
The bout between Davis, who sold out another arena Saturday night, and Ryan Garcia (23-0, 19 KOs) is considered one of the most marketable matches in boxing because they’re two of sport’s most popular stars.
Garcia again mentioned April 15 as the date for their fight in a post to his Instagram account early Sunday morning. The outcome of Davis’ upcoming trial in his hometown of Baltimore could impact when it is scheduled, though.
Starting February 16, Davis will face 14 misdemeanor motor vehicle violations that stem from a hit-and-run accident two years ago. Davis allegedly drove his Lamborghini through a red light and collided with a Toyota Solara in November 2020.
The driver of the Toyota and three passengers suffered injuries from which they have recovered. Davis left the scene of that accident before authorities arrived.
If Davis is sentenced to jail time, it would temporarily prevent him from training for his bout with Garcia.
As for the fight itself, Davis didn’t offer much when asked to compare Ryan Garcia – a taller, right-handed opponent who will move back down in weight to face Davis – and Hector Luis Garcia, a southpaw who owns the WBA 130-pound crown and came up in weight to challenge Davis.
“I don’t wanna say too much because now I gotta fight him,” said Davis, who led Garcia by scores of 79-73, 79-73 and 78-74 before the stoppage Sunday morning. “So, let’s just get ready. That’s more so what I’ll say about him.”
Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.