Tensions flare as Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis set for massive clash in Las Vegas

Tensions flare as Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis set for massive clash in Las Vegas

Tosin Abayomi 14:05 - 22.04.2023

Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia both made weight ahead of their mega fight.

Ryan Garcia easily made the weight that many people think will be a problem on fight night when he and Gervonta Davis stepped on the scales in preparation for their 136-pound matchup in Las Vegas.

Garcia (23-0, 19 KOs) was marginally heavier at 135.5lb than Davis (28-0, 26 KOs), who weighed 135.1lb. Garcia claimed to feel powerful, and neither guy appeared to have exerted themselves significantly.

At this week's final face, there was a noticeable rise in tension, which persisted as their only desire is to hear the first bell.

This Saturday, two unbeaten young stars from Las Vegas square off in a match that hardly needs any additional hype.

Sports greats and celebrities have descended upon Sin City during fight week. 

One of the most accomplished and decorated boxers in recent memory is Bernard Hopkins, a multi-belt, two-weight world champion.

The two-weight world champion, Bernard Hopkins, then got into a physical altercation with Davis.

Hopkins, who joined Golden Boy Promotions as a partner alongside Oscar De La Hoya after his professional career, has been praising Garcia throughout the build-up.

He turned to 'Tank's side during the decisive face-off and got involved, which the young knockout artist didn't appreciate. He and his coach, Calvin Ford, reprimanded "B-Hop" for touching him, which led to a fight on stage.

Garcia promises a knockout victory against Davis.
Garcia promises a knockout victory against Davis.

Gervonta Davis promises violence against Ryan Garcia

When everything had settled down, the Baltimore native with one of the sport's highest stoppage ratios made a violent threat.

He said,  “Punishment. Knock out. It’s going to be crazy. 

Don’t blink your eye, don’t get no popcorn, don’t get no drink, none of that. Focus on the fight.”

Later, however, Hopkins was still on his mind, and he claimed in a since-deleted tweet that he ought to have smacked Hopkins.

Garcia and Davis battle at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 22.
Garcia and Davis battle at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 22.

The deleted tweet said, “I should’ve slapped the s**t outta B-Hop as soon as he touched me. 

"Why he’s on our side in the first place but if I would’ve punched I would’ve been wrong.”

It is hardly shocking that tensions increased following a weight loss and just before the fight. 

Before making their ring entrances at the T-Mobile Arena, Davis and, more significantly, the bigger man in Garcia, will have to comply with a rehydration stipulation.

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