Gervonta Davis has some serious business to take care of before an announced showdown with Ryan Garcia next year.
That business is a 135-pound fight on Jan. 7 with another capable opponent, Hector Garcia, a 130-pound titleholder who left no doubt about his ability when he easily outpointed previously unbeaten Chris Colbert this past February.
“We’re gonna go back into training camp right after today because we’re not sleeping on this guy,” Davis said Monday during a news conference. “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.”
Davis (27-0, 25 KOs) is already popular, a three-division champion and one of the most respected fighters in the world. He’s No. 10 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound list and climbing.
However, a victory over Garcia (16-0, 10 KOs) and another in a massive fight with Garcia would bring him closer to superstardom.
“This is just me trying to get over that hump,” Davis said. “I don’t think of it as a dream come true. I’m not where I want to be yet. This fight is the next step.”
One advantage Davis might have over Garcia: He’ll be fighting in his backyard. The fight will take place at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., not far from his home in Baltimore. The news conference also was in D.C.
Davis hasn’t fought in the area since he stopped Ricardo Nunez in Baltimore in July 2019.
“It feels good to be back home,” he said. “All the greats have fought here and now I get to come back home and put on a great event. I love getting everyone together to have a party. That’s what it is.”
Of course, Garcia would love to spoil the party.
The 2016 Olympian from the Dominican Republic has had a huge year, stopping Colbert and then easily outpointing Roger Gutierrez to win his 130-pound belt in August.
Garcia is aware that most people see him as a longshot to beat Davis, particularly because he will be moving up in weight for the fight. He insists he’s capable of delivering a second major upset in three fights.
“I’m not fazed by anything people say,” he said. “I know who I am and I know what to do. My preparation has been so good that I’m going to be ready to give 100%. … I know that I’m facing one of the best fighters out there, but I’m fully confident I have what it takes to win.
“I’m taking my normal approach to this fight. I’m a great fighter too. I have Olympic experience. We have no reason to change our preparation for this fight.”
If Garcia wins? He likes the idea of facing Garcia, although he believes his biggest challenge will come on Jan. 7.
“If I beat Tank on January 7, I’d be happy to go after a fight against Ryan Garcia,” he said. “I don’t think he’s on the same level as me and Gervonta.”
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