Promoter Oscar De La Hoya said that the American Ryan Garcia (23-0, 19 KOs) made a mistake by withdrawing from the preliminary fight with the Filipino Mercito Gesta (33-3-3, 17 KOs). His future opponent Jervonta "Tank" Davis (27-0, 25 KOs) will have the advantage by having a full-fledged "training" fight.
"Listen, "Tank" Davis will have a preparatory fight. His tools will be very sharp when he faces Ryan Garcia in April. Ryan decided to bypass training and go straight to "Tank". What we all have to do is wish him the best and [tell him] to stay fit, keep training, sparring, stay focused and wait for that big day.”
Garcia's fight with "Tank" in weight up to 61.6 kg will take place on April 15 in Las Vegas. Before the meeting with Ryan Davis, he will fight the undefeated Dominican Hector Garcia (16-0, 10 KOs). The match will take place on January 7 in Washington.
Ryan Garcia fought twice in 2022 after returning from a 15-month layoff due to mental issues. Garcia won a unanimous decision over Emmanuel Tago in April and a knockout over Javier Fortuna in July.