Gervonta “Tank” Davis has vowed to not rely on his celebrated knockout power when he faces Ryan Garcia later this month at the T-Mobile Arena. Instead, the defending champion has declared an unprecedented focus on defense will be his path to victory.
Davis sports one of the best knockout percentages (93%) in boxing, have dispatched 26 of 28 opponents inside the distance. In addition, Davis is #1 per CompuBox in Power Connect Percentage at 47.6% and #8 in Total Connect Percentage (35.1). Garcia, who suffered his first knockdown against Luke Campbell in 2021, has since been perceived to possess a weak chin.
Despite being a betting favorite, Davis insists he isn’t overlooking the danger of Garcia’s punches. The challenger has only went the distance once in six fights dating back to 2019. And more notably, each opponent has touched the canvas.
“This camp I’m definitely working on my defense,” said Davis on the debut episode of All Access. “I ain’t trying to get hit with none of them punches. I ain’t sleeping on Ryan. I’m watching him when he ain’t thinking I’m watching him.”
Davis’ trainer, Calvin Ford, added their overall strategy of conservative punch output early and late aggressive assaults won’t change. The difference will be if Garcia can withstand the punch output that made Davis’ last opponent, Hector Luis Garcia, retire on his stool.
“Everyone knows what ‘Tank’ is gonna do, because he does it for the fans,” said Ford. “You haven’t seen the best of Gervonta Davis yet. Is Ryan ready to bring it out of him?
“These two guys are showing you how boxing is supposed to be. The young ones are coming and this is the start right here.”
Joe Goossen has guided Ryan Garcia’s corner for his last two fights — lopsided victories over Emmanuel Tagoe (UD12) and Javier Fortuna (KO6). In a career spanning over 25 years, Goossen has trained champions like Rafael Ruelas, Shane Mosley and Joel Casamayor. Although the most common training comparison is with the late Hall of Famer Diego Corrales, Goossen maintains that Garcia’s talent is in a class of its own.
“These are two great guys and they’re going to have it out on April 22,” Goossen said on a recent press tour stop. “These guys both have an unusual level of talent. I’ve trained a lot of guys over the decades, and Ryan Garcia is one of the most unique individuals I’ve trained, in many ways. He’s one of the most dynamic guys I’ve ever worked with in terms of speed, power, ring IQ, determination and courage.
“This is going to be a great fight. I think both camps realize that each of these guys are at the top of their game and they’re going to put on a great show for the fans. I can’t wait until it’s time to get into the ring and see who’s the best in the world.”
Davis vs. Garcia airs on Showtime pay-per-view April 22.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 