Although Gervonta Davis has faced a plethora of world-class fighters, at least on paper, it appeared as though Ryan Garcia would be his toughest test. The blinding hand speed, eye-catching knockouts, and braggadocious attitude forced countless prognosticators to take the 24-year-old seriously. Amongst a long list of names that were under the assumption that Garcia was more than capable of upsetting the applecart, was former Davis foe, Rolando “Rolly” Romero.
Ultimately, just mere moments after the opening bell rang, Romero began singing a different tune. Following a feel-out round in the initial frame, Garcia (23-1, 19 KOs) fought more daringly in the second. Davis, of course, smiled menacingly before clipping Garcia at the midway point, sending him directly to the canvas.
Garcia, though he peeled himself up off the deck, fought with trepidation. Anxious to put his man out of misery, Davis (29-0, 27 KOs) turned up his aggression. In the seventh, both men planted their feet in the center of the ring and fired off pernicious shots. And while Garcia has always been lauded for his speed, it was Davis who was quicker to the draw, landing a clean body blow during the period and immediately flooring him.
Garcia, almost instantly, took a knee before eventually being counted out by referee Thomas Taylor. Shortly after his defeat, Davis comforted his fallen foe by revealing that he was the most difficult opponent he’s ever shared the ring with. Those words, while generous, were erroneous in Romero’s mind. Simply put, when it comes down to it, the 27-year-old doesn’t believe that Davis has faced anyone quite as unique and dangerous as him.
“Let’s be honest man. Tank’s toughest opponent by far has been me,” said Romero to a group of reporters.
Almost one full year ago, Romero (14-1, 12 KOs) stalked Davis around the ring. With the heavy-handed contender becoming obtrusive, Davis mitigated his aggressive behavior with one powerful left hand.
Forced to go back to the drawing board, Romero is now on the verge of fighting for his first world title. On May 13th, the Las Vegas resident will push his chips to the center of the table when he takes on Ismael Barroso for the vacant WBA 140-pound crown.
Although Romero claims that his late replacement opponent is getting his undivided attention, he’s already envisioning himself wrapping that golden trinket around his waist. Once his championship aspirations are realized, a target will be placed on the back of Davis.
First results aside, Romero is firmly of the belief that a sequel against Davis is simply inevitable.
“Me and him are gonna run that sh!t back. I’m gonna get my world title May 13th and then me and him are gonna run that sh!t back.”