Gervonta Davis vs. Hector Luis Garcia: Bang For Your Buck

This Saturday, January 7, from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., five-time world champ and boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis (27-0, 25 KOs) defends his WBA Lightweight World Title against unbeaten world champion Hector Luis Garcia (16-0, 10 KOs) in a 12-round high-stakes contest atop a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View telecast (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) features unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis taking on the IBF No.4-rated Karen Chukhadzhian for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title in the co-main event. Also on the card, unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis meets heavy-handed KO artist Roiman Villa in a 12-round clash of styles. In the pay-per-view opener, undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade faces D.C. area-native, Demond Nicholson.

The Story

Gervonta Davis has earned his way to the top of the sport, both as an elite-level pound-for-pound talent as well as an established big-ticket attraction. Now a five-time, three-division world champ, the Baltimore native will be headlining his fifth straight pay-per-view.

Awaiting Davis is a highly anticipated showdown with Ryan Garcia in the spring, but that’s only if he gets by his challenge this Saturday. 

In his last bout, this past May, “Tank” showcased his headline-grabbing heavy artillery by stopping the bold and aggressive Rolando “Rolly” Romero in the sixth round.

Hector Luis Garcia, the PBC Breakout Performer of the Year, has made a huge impact in a short period of time. Relatively unknown at the beginning of last year, the 2016 Olympian from the Dominican Republic is now co-headlining a major pay-per-view with one of the sport’s biggest stars and stands on the precipice of becoming a two-division world champ. 

His February upset of the highly regarded Chris Colbert rocket-powered Garcia’s career ascension. That shocker led to his first world title when he defeated WBA Super Featherweight World champ Roger Gutierrez in August. Now, with this move up to challenge for lightweight gold, Garcia looks to cap off his remarkable Cinderella boxing story. 

The Stakes

With a mega-fight against Ryan Garcia on tap, Davis needs to not only win this Saturday’s bout, but he also needs to look impressive against a very tough customer.

Garcia, meanwhile, would not only become a two-division world champion with a victory on Saturday, but he’d instantly shoot up the ladder of boxing stardom with the high-profile upset. 

The Matchup

Davis is one of the most gifted offensive fighters in the sport, blessed with speed, high-end reflexes, and the ability to generate concussive power from both fists.

The 28-year-old is also a smart, intuitive boxer who utilizes angles and complex ring strategies from the southpaw stance in setting up kill-shot opportunities. 

Defensively, Davis uses his speed and reflexes, as well as his smaller stature, to elude incoming shots and roll underneath punches. His one-punch power also helps keep opposition tentative and unwilling to fully invest in an attack. 

“ I’m just ready to shut everyone up. ”
Undefeated WBA World Lightweight Champion – Gervonta “Tank” Davis

Garcia is a confident, poised tactician who applies steady, subtle pressure with a prodding jab and a come-forward approach. His relaxed style belies a tenacious mindset that often sees him gradually take control of a contest by setting a favorable pace and wearing down opposition.

Although the 31-year-old southpaw’s best offense weapon is the straight left hand, he works well to the body and has a good ability to mix his shots and vary his attacks. 

On defense, Garcia has his weak points. Among them is a penchant for keeping his hands low. He also appears to be especially susceptible to the right hand. 

The Words

Gervonta Davis

“We’re not sleeping on this guy. I know we have two fights lined up, but I’m only focused on this one. I’m ready to go through everybody that’s in my way. I’m just ready to shut everyone up. All the talking that’s going around, I just want to go in the ring and shut them all up.”

Hector Luis Garcia

“I’ve worked extremely hard to make this my year. I’m going to make this a great show for the boxing fans and the Dominican Republic. We’re coming to make this a battle. Whether it’s toe-to-toe or he wants to move and box, me and my trainer are ready.”

The Breakdown

The big question in all of Gervonta Davis’ fights is whether the opponent can withstand his explosive one-punch power. With 17 KO/TKO victories in his last 18 bouts (and 25 out of 27 overall), it’s pretty safe to call “Tank” an irresistible force. 

Irresistible, however, is not unbeatable. The man who beats Davis will either be an irresistible force, himself, or be savvy enough to cancel out and counter Davis’ offensive ability. Garcia may fall into the latter category.

Despite his defensive liabilities, Garcia is a smart, controlled boxer who doesn’t over commit and won’t fall into the kinds of traps Davis sets to blast away opposition. He works his style, stays in his lane, and fights within his skill set. 

Davis will have to step up the aggression and work hard to force the former Olympian into vulnerable positions. Garcia is the type of opponent who’ll content himself with picking spots, edging out rounds, and walking away with a victory that doesn’t blow anyone away, but gets him where he needs to go. 

Davis’ power, though, is a tide-turner an instant show closer. Whenever he touches you, he can take you out. That’s what makes him such an electrifying performer and formidable ring presence. Garcia will have to be near-perfect, and even then, there’s no guarantee that he won’t be taken out at some point.

Whatever happens Saturday night, Gervonta Davis vs. Hector Luis Garcia will be an entertaining clash of styles and temperaments that could very well end with a bang.

For a closer look at Davis vs Garcia, check out our fight night page.