By: Sean Crose
After completely exploding by going over the head of Javier Fortuna on Saturday night in Los Angeles, Ryan Garcia expressed his desire to take on the undefeated power puncher Gervonta “Tank” Davis. “I’ll bring Tank next,” he said. “If he wants it, get it.” There’s really no reason Davis wouldn’t want it. A fight with Garcia would attract a lot of attention. And money. Lots and lots of money. However, there’s another reason Davis should be interested in facing Garcia next – he’ll most likely win. While Garcia looked really impressive when dismantling Fortuna on Saturday night, he didn’t look impressive enough to take down or outdo Davis.
Though Baltimore’s Davis has never faced an opponent of true caliber, he has knocked out plenty of quality competition over the past few years. Furthermore, he seems to have a more nuanced fighting game than Garcia. Take Garcia’s stance on Saturday night, for example. He is standing straight. Furthermore, he did not engage in any head movements. If Davis tagged Garcia as Fortuna did on a few occasions during the fight, then Garcia wouldn’t be the one to claim victory. Garcia will be sprawled out on the mat.
Then there was the matter of Davis’ defensive skills. The man can move his head while exceeding the man’s time before him. Furthermore, Davis can crouch in a manner reminiscent of Pernell Whitaker, and slouch in a manner reminiscent of Floyd Mayweather. Davis can also keep a safe distance from opponents before rushing forward without warning, like Roy Jones. There’s no doubt Garcia can get through a wall, but can any of his punches find a home, really find a home, against the likes of Davis? That’s a tough question to answer, which is why it’s so hard to see Garcia beat Davis at this point.
The future, however, is a different story. Garcia didn’t practice for too long with remarkable corner kicker Joe Goossen. In his 20s, the California man is still likely a work in progress. Garcia is also eager to jump from lightweight to heavyweight, which could prove to be a bridge too far for Davis, if he agrees to meet Garcia in the 140-pound division. However, it’s easy to see how this version of Davis succeeded – if not easy – from this version of Garcia. However, if Davis is as eager to join the fight as Garcia, then he’d better act fast. Anything can go mainstream in this sport.
