Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia, again. But in 2024. Things haven’t changed drastically since last April, when ‘KingRy’ took a knee and never got up. There have been rematch talks, but those never got the full swing. What if they roll it back later this year? Would you splash the cash to see them exchanging blows once more? There are enough ifs that might spell disaster for the probable rematch and your pocket.
What do you need for a thrilling rematch? Unfinished business, the right money, a perfect time to schedule the fight, and the hype from fans. Even if one is missing, you could guess the outcome of the mega-event. It seems Davis vs. Garcia is headed the same way if the fight is made and might be a fader event to their first match, which sold 1.1 million PPVs and collected $22.8 million in revenue.
Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia: timing might spoil the fun
Since ‘Tank’ put Garcia, 25, on the canvas last year, he has been away from the boxing ring. It will be almost 14 months when, and if, he unloads those heavy punches against the rumored Frank Martin in June. Meanwhile, Garcia made some hard calls, made a switch, returned to the winner’s column against Oscar Duarte, and now stands close to realizing his championship dream against Devin Haney.
So what’s the holdup? Well, both are spearheading their careers in different divisions now. Davis, at 29-0, is living a champion’s life at 135 and feels comfortable where he belongs. On the other hand, Garcia, at 24-1, is already eyeing a future at 140 pounds and might be unwilling to come to Davis’ terms of catchweight and rehydration clause. He believes he paid the price for accepting terms favorable to Davis. So, he will be reluctant to rush recklessly into the opportunity to avenge his defeat.
Moreover, when both make a call on their rematch, the lightweight division’s landscape will appear different. Either both Americans will stand tall as champions and create an organic demand for the rematch, or one will have to kick-start his career after a defeat and the demand for a rematch dies off. That’s not it. The fans don’t want to relive the short, lopsided fight of 2023.
The punctured buzz and no wave of excitement
The way Garcia went down when Davis landed heavy body blows was disheartening for the fans. They wanted a competitive fight with high-paced action. But in return, they had a one-sided affair. There is neither some unfinished business nor some controversy that could warrant a rematch.
The gulf of skills between the two fighters was apparent that night, and it doesn’t appear Garcia would have bridged it within two years. While the Victorville native has exhibited improvement under Derrick James‘ tutelage, he is far removed from a finished product. Therefore, the fans haven’t exactly flooded the internet and demanded an immediate rematch between the two.
