It didn’t matter what Danny Garcia had going on April 22nd, the former two-division titlist made sure he cleared out his calendar and made a beeline to Las Vegas.
This past weekend, at the T-Mobile Arena, one of the biggest showdowns in years took place when Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis squared off. All along, Davis was pegged as the rightful favorite. However, due to his once undefeated record and physical advantages, countless prognosticators and pugilistic stars were under the assumption that the 24-year-old Garcia had more than enough to get the job done.
Ultimately, as the two swapped fists in the center of the ring, Davis (29-0, 27 KOs) proved that Garcia simply wasn’t in his league. With their showdown ending with a devastating body shot in the seventh, Danny Garcia was seen exiting the arena stoically. While the rest of the boxing world was stunned as to how things played out, Danny reminded fans that his crystal ball has never steered him wrong.
“Honestly, I’m not surprised,” said Danny Garcia to a group of reporters.
End result notwithstanding, Ryan fought an intelligent and tactical fight in the opening frame. During the period, the California native imposed his will, pushing Davis back on multiple occasions en route to banking the first round on two of three judge’s scorecards.
Jumping out to a quick lead, however, did nothing to discourage Davis in the following period. Ostensibly in control, Davis dipped low and uncorked a violent left hand, one that left Ryan on the seat of his pants.
Unnerved immediately after, Ryan refused to engage in long and drawn-out exchanges. After attempting to gather his wits, Ryan was forced to take a knee, courtesy of a Davis left hand to the body.
As referee Thomas Taylor began his countdown, Ryan smiled while hoping that his facade would be bought by those who were in attendance. Just mere moments later, the popular super lightweight contender waved the white flag, only rising to his feet after Taylor waved off the bout.
Although most observers that crammed into the arena wore stylish coats to shield themselves from the cold elements, Danny had a feeling that things would warm up in the center of the ring. Considering that Davis has nearly always found a way to break his opponents mentally, Danny circled that trait as a key component to Ryan’s pathway to victory.
Nevertheless, with Davis giving Ryan only two choices, Danny believes that the former WBC lightweight interim titlist chose the wrong option.
“The question for me was, when it got hot for Ryan, would he dig deep or would he give in and he gave in.”