Gervonta “Tank” Davis is used to big fights on a grand stage, but this upcoming April 22 clash with Ryan “King Ry” Garcia at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, in a Premier Boxing Champions/Golden Boy event broadcast by Showtime PPV, will likely to be his biggest blockbuster to datew. In a recent media day interview, the five-time, three-division world champ insisted he’s up to the challenge at hand and more than ready to become the new face of boxing.
“I’m feeling great,” the 28-year-old from Baltimore told the assembled media. “Everything is about staying completely focused on the task, because I know I have a challenge in front of me on April 22.
“Me and coach Calvin have been doing this for so long, he’s a major key to my success over the years. I’d be nowhere without him, so I always keep him close to me.”
As for what’s at stake in this big ticket bout and how big it might be for boxing, Davis seems to be aware on all fronts.
“This win would mean a lot,” Davis said. “Beating someone young, explosive and in their prime says a lot. I feel like this fight is big for the sport. We’re drawing in a lot of people and a win on that night is really like winning a world title again.
“Representing Baltimore means a lot to me. I’m doing it for the people who are just like me. I’m trying to give them hope. No matter what you’ve been going through, the future is bright.
“This is gonna be spectacular. It’s gonna be two young guys who are hungry. You gotta tune in or be here in Las Vegas.
When talking about his opponent this Saturday, the explosive power puncher got right to the point.
“Ryan is gonna have to show me that he has more than just a left hook,” Davis blasted. “I’m gonna be on point that night because I’m getting ready for the best Ryan Garcia. I just don’t feel that he’s a complete fighter and come April 22 I’m gonna show him.
“I think he’s trying to hype himself to get into the fight when he talks about knocking me out in two rounds. I don’t think he really believes that.”
As for a prediction for this Saturday’s high-anticipated showdown?
“Make sure you come early and get your popcorn or whatever you want to get, because this is gonna be an early night for sure.”
Davis’ longtime trainer Calvin Ford also offered up some words to media about the young man he’s mentored and his preparedness for this upcoming task
“Tank just needs to listen and do what he’s been doing all along,” Ford said. “I’ve seen the journey to here a long time ago. That night is his night. We’ll walk through that fire or that desert or whatever we have to walk through.
“I’m still looking for that fighter to bring the best out of Tank. No one has seen the best out of him yet. Coaches that have been around us for years know that people haven’t seen all that he can do.
“He’s taking pages out from some of the greatest in the sport. We’ve got a lot of different people coaching different parts of his game and everyone is doing their part.”
Gervonta “Tank” Davis vs. Ryan “King Ry” Garcia will be a 12-round bout contracted to take place at a catchweight of 136 lbs. Broadcast on pay-per-view by Showtime PPV, the Premier Boxing Champions/Golden Boy Promotions cross-promotional event will be aired live, this Saturday April 22, from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
