Gervonta Davis-Ryan Garcia Both Say They’ll Meet In 2023

One of the more intriguing smaller weight fights that has been rumored to be happening for more than a year appears that it will take place. This, as unbeaten lightweights Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia are both confirming on social media that they will square off, possibly in April, and Garcia says it will be in Las Vegas.

First, Davis put on social media Thursday afternoon he will fight first in early January but then, meet Garcia in a PPV bout coming later in the year

I’ll be back in the ring Jan 7 stay tuned for more details! After that it’s me and Ryan signed sealed delivered…done deal!

— Gervonta Davis (@Gervontaa) November 17, 2022

Davis, 27-0, 25 KOs, was last in action in late May in a Showtime PPV, as he kayoed Rolly Romero in the sixth round.

Our Dan Rafael recapped it here,

“In scoring the highlight-reel knockout, Davis retained the WBA “regular” lightweight title for the third time in the Showtime PPV main event at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, where a sold-out crowd of 18,970 for the building’s 40th boxing event since it opened in September 2012 set the arena record for boxing attendance and live gate.

Neither man landed many punches at all. According to CompuBox statistics, Davis landed only 25 of 84 punches (30 percent) and Romero landed just 22 of 115 (19 percent). Davis was much less active than usual, throwing only 14 punches per round compared to his pre-fight average of 36.6 per round. But, of course, he landed the only one that mattered for the knockout.”

The popular Garcia also confirmed Thursday that for now, a Garcia fight will be happening in 2023 in Las Vegas, but didn’t specify a month,

I’m so pumped this fight is finally in place — I want it more than anything right now. I’ve put in the work, I’m at the prime of my career, and I know I’m going to be the biggest boxer in the world. That legacy starts today🥊 pic.twitter.com/6Hv5y3hwMY

— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) November 17, 2022

Garcia, 23-0, 19 KOs, was last in action in July in his second bout of 2022 for Golden Boy Boxing and after taking considerable time off for mental health issues and a hand injury. Garcia overwhelmed veteran Javier Fortuna by knocking him down three times, including for the final time less than 30 seconds into the six round for the win,

Another important verification besides just the fighters is Showtime Sports President Steven Espinoza confirming that the bout will be a joint pay-per-view on his Network just as Davis’ last few bouts have been, but as well as, the DAZN streaming service that has deal with Garcia and Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions,

Done deal. It's on.

All credit to Tank and Ryan. Lots of obstacles along the way, but they both stayed the course to give the fans the fight they want. #DavisGarcia #TankRyan pic.twitter.com/nOge6tHJxF

— Stephen Espinoza (@StephenEspinoza) November 17, 2022

Later Thursday evening Espinosa elaborated in a brief media statement,

“Tank Davis vs. Ryan Garcia is one of the biggest and most exciting fights that can be made in boxing. We have two supremely talented boxers, both in their prime, who have amassed huge fanbases, meeting in a career defining fight. This is the epitome of a crossover boxing event. All credit to Tank and Ryan for staying the course and giving the fans the fight they want.

“SHOWTIME has delivered the three biggest pay-per-view events in television history and we are thrilled to add this marquee event to our list of culture-moving matchups.”

Now, we’ll wait for the official fight/date/site announcement, including if Davis will go ahead and fight in January first before meeting Garcia.