Tag: GERVONTA DAVIS
Haney defeats Lomachenko by unanimous decision
To some, the decision was controversial; for others, it was fine, but in the end, Devin Haney (30-0, 15 KOs) retained his undisputed lightweight crown with a controversial unanimous decision victory against Vasiliy Lomachenko (17-3, 11 KOs) Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Judge Dave Moretti scored the fight 116-112; Tim Cheathem and David Sutherland both had it 115-113.
This fight had many close rounds. You could have scored this fight in so many different ways. The two definitive rounds were Rounds 10 and 11, and those rounds clearly were Lomachenko rounds. However, Moretti gave Round 10 to Haney.
Going into Round 12, Lomachenko trailed on all three scorecards. By three points on Moretti’s card and one point on the other two cards, so if Lomachenko won the 12th round, he would have walked away with a majority draw. Haney appeared to have won the 12th round, but it was close again, like most of the rounds.
After 12 rounds, Lomachenko(124/564), who fought hard from start to finish, threw more punches and outlanded Haney110/405). Throughout the fight, Lomachenko had success in landing combination punches, and Haney had success with his jab and going to the body.
Haney said the following after the win:
“Lomachenko is a future Hall of Famer. It was a blessing. He was my toughest opponent by far. He is very crafty, and we put on a great fight for the fans.
“He’s a crafty fighter. He turns it up in the championship rounds. I just have to take my hat off to him. He’s a great fighter.
“This is all experience. Me and my team are going to go back to the house, watch the fight and reflect on it. I’ve been at 135 for a long, long time. This is my 30th fight. I’ve been here at 135 since I was 16 years old. We’re going to go back to the lab and figure out what’s next.”
Lomachenko, who, like many of the fans in the building, disagreed with the decision, says this fight showed that the 35-year-old is still a factor in boxing.
“I don’t want to talk about [the decision],” Lomachenko said. “All the people saw what happened today.
“Before, I thought he would be better. He’s a tough fighter. He’s a good fighter. But he’s not a pound-for-pound fighter.
“I think I showed that I can still be in boxing. I’m in good shape now. And see you next time.”
This fight was many things, but it was not a robbery. It could have gone either way. If you say Loma won, I would not argue, and vice-versa. Lomachenko proved that he still has a lot left in the tank, and the 24-year-old Haney showed he has a championship heart.
We’ll see if Haney stays at 135; he said after the fight that it’s tough to make the weight, but the most significant fights for him are in that division against Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson. Stevenson called Haney out after the fight, and it should be interesting to see how Haney proceeds.
No matter what happens next, we got a great night of boxing in Las Vegas.
Morrell Jr.: ‘I’m the real monster, and I’m ready to prove it in the ring’
WBA super middleweight(regular) champion, David Morrell Jr. (9-0, 8 KOs) has expressed his desire to fight WBC Interim World champion David Benavidez (27-0, 23 KOs) in his next fight. Morrell Jr. made waves with his impressive victory over Yamaguchi Falcao (24-2-1, 10 KOs), a first-round knockout on the undercard of the Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia mega-fight.
Morrell Jr., who is promoted by Warriors Boxing, has been making waves in the boxing world with his impressive performances and is quickly becoming a fan favorite. The undefeated champion is looking for bigger challenges, and a fight against Benavidez is something he has set his sights on.
“I’ll say it and I’ll say it again, I want to fight the best, and David Benavidez is one of the best in the division,” said Morrell Jr. “Millions of fans got to see what I’m all about and I believe I have the skills to beat him. I know he is a warrior that never backs down from a fight, so I’m expecting him to take the challenge. This is a fight I know that fans want to see. The winner can be next in line to fight Canelo. I’m the real monster, and I’m ready to prove it in the ring.”
Morrell Jr. has also announced that he dedicated this fight to Autism Awareness. The champion has a personal connection to the cause, as he has many close friends who are dealing with the condition.
“I want to use my platform to raise awareness for autism,” said Morrell Jr. “Some of my closest friends have kids with autism and they are an inspiration, and I want to do everything I can to support them.”
Morrell Jr.’s dedication to the cause has garnered support from the boxing community, and fans are eager to see him in the ring once again. A potential fight against Benavidez would be a highly anticipated matchup and could potentially unify the WBA and WBC titles down the road.
The boxing world eagerly awaits the announcement of this potential matchup.
Photo: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
Davis: ‘I’m definitely the face of boxing’
Gervonta Davis showed the world that he might be the face of boxing after stopping Ryan Garcia with a vicious body shot in round seven of their catchweight(136 pounds) showdown at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night(Showtime PPV).
“I’m definitely the face of boxing,” Davis said after the win.
Davis(29-0, 27 KOs) led on all three cards, with scores of 59-55, 59-56, and 58-56 at the time of the stoppage.
In front of a sold-out crowd(20,842), the Baltimore native dropped Garcia(23-1, 19 KOs) in the second round with a beautiful left hand. From there, Garcia was less aggressive, and Davis was in complete control.
“The first knockdown was just him not knowing his placement,” Davis said. “I knew that I was the smaller guy, and my coach was telling me in camp that he’s going to come up with his head up, so just shoot over the top.”
Garcia said he showed Davis too much respect in this fight.
“I think I should have pressured him a little harder near the ropes,” Garcia said. “I was giving him a little bit too much respect, and I think that was my downfall. I think I gave him a little too much respect in the ring.”
The night ended in the seventh when Davis hit Garcia in the body with a straight right hand, which caused a delayed reaction and forced Garcia to retreat and take a knee; he could not get up, and the fight was called off at 1:44 in the round.
“I didn’t think that body shot would end it, but I saw his facial expression, and that’s what made me take it to him,” Davis said. “It was a good shot, for sure. I thought he was going to get up, but I like to play mind games, so when he was looking at me, I was looking at him, trying to tell him, ‘Get up!’ And he just shook his head, no.”
Garcia added on the knockdown: “He just caught me with a good shot. I don’t want to make any excuses in here. He caught me with a good shot, and I just couldn’t recover, and that’s it. He caught me with a good body shot, snuck under me, and caught me good. I couldn’t breathe. I was going to get back up, but I just couldn’t get up.”
Davis headlined his first show in Las Vegas; it was a smashing success and a dream come true.
“Everything about this was exciting,” he said. “I was excited to be a part of this event. I remember coming up in the Golden Gloves and seeing Floyd Mayweather fight at MGM Grand. It was crazy. I actually just saw Rihanna perform at the Super Bowl, and I thought, ‘That’s going to be me one day.’ And we’re here. The reality definitely matches the dream.”
This was a great night for boxing and a great night for Davis. Garcia is a talented fighter, but there are levels to this, and he was not on Davis’ level.
Garcia on fight with Davis: ‘This is the biggest moment in sports right now’
The biggest fight in boxing is finally here! Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia will battle in a 12-round bout at a catchweight of 136 pounds on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas(Showtime PPV).
Davis(28-0, 26 KOs) and Garcia(23-0, 19 KOs) are two of the biggest names in boxing, and a lot is on the line. A win for Garcia or Davis could make one of them the face of the sport.
“This is the biggest moment in sports right now,” Garcia said at the final press conference on Thursday. “It means a lot. The magnitude of this fight is huge. Everything is already on the line. I’m just ready to go as deep as I have to. This moment is everything to me. I’ve envisioned this for years, and it’s finally here.”
Davis added: “He’s gonna feel me for sure. I am what I say I am. I’m that guy. I didn’t get all the way here for no reason. I put the work in, and I got those guys out of there. He’s gonna see it come Saturday night for sure.”
This fight is simple. If the 24-year-old Garcia can stand up to Davis’ power, he has a shot at winning. Davis can be outworked because he has a low work rate.
According to CompuBox, in his last 12 fights, Davis averages just over 34.2 punches thrown per round(fewest among fighters), but his power connect percentage is 47.8%(best among fighters), so when he lands, he lands hard.
“Don’t forget I’m the most accurate puncher out there,” Davis said. “Make sure you’ve been practicing on putting your hands up.”
According to CompuBox, in his last five fights, Garcia averages 41.1 punches thrown per round. Both are below the lightweight average of 57.5 punches per round.
Both land at about the same rate(Davis/12 per round, Garcia/12.8 per round).
Garcia discussed Davis’ punch output.
“This man has never punished anyone in his life,” Garcia said. “He’s always losing in these fights. Get that out of your mind. You’re gonna get punished. You(Davis) got the lowest punch output in boxing.”
Here’s the bottom line. To date, since the 28-year-old Davis has been at the top of the sport, one guy has stood up to his power, and that’s Isaac Cruz, who lost to Davis in a very competitive bout; so again, if Garcia, who has the height and reach advantage(5-10, 70; Davis 5-5, 67 1/2) and the speed advantage, can avoid Tank’s power shot, he can get the win.
Plus, Garcia has a beautiful left hook, and he has power. Not Davis’s power, but Garcia can punch, so let’s not sleep on that. Some say the catchweight(136 pounds) and 10-pound rehydration clause could hurt Garcia. The last time Garcia fought at 135, he was dropped for the first time in career by Luke Campbell, so that’s something to think about.
Something else to think about, in February, Davis pled guilty to leaving the scene of an accident involving bodily injury, failing to notify an owner of property damage, driving on a suspended license, and running a red light. The car accident happened in 2020 in Baltimore; he may do jail time, which could be a distraction.
Prediction:
Davis gets the KO in the 10th round in a fun fight.
Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia arrive in Vegas
Undefeated superstar rivals Gervonta “Tank” Davis and “King” Ryan Garcia officially kicked off fight week events Tuesday afternoon by making their grand arrivals at MGM Grand before they go toe-to-toe this Saturday, April 22 headlining a SHOWTIME PPV production from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The pay-per-view telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also feature WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell Jr. taking on Olympic® Bronze Medalist Yamaguchi Falcao in the co-main event, a rematch between super middleweight sluggers Gabriel Rosado and Bektemir Melikuziev, and hard-hitting 19-year-old middleweight Elijah Garcia facing Mexico’s Kevin Salgado in the pay-per-view opener.
Davis expressed his excitement for Saturday’s long-awaited showdown and stated that if Garcia doesn’t come prepared, the Baltimore-native may leave the ring with an early KO.
“This means everything,” said Davis. “We are putting everything on the line. Coming from where I come from, this is big. I witnessed Floyd Mayweather, and all the top guys fight in Las Vegas. This is the top-level. I’m ready.
“My first goal was to win a belt. I never thought I would be in Las Vegas having a big fight. This is a dream come true. I won’t let my people down.
“You have to tune in. It’s something that you don’t want to miss. Hopefully he comes ready. If not, it will be an early night.”
The popular and hard-hitting Southern California-native Garcia has continuously stated his confidence throughout the lead up to the fight and re-stated his promise of an early night on Tuesday, while also showing his appreciation for reaching this point in his career.
“This is beautiful,” said Garcia. “I look around and I see all the hard work I put in. I see all the hours I put in the gym. I’m just so grateful for this moment. It isn’t even about private jets or limousines. It’s really about the fight coming together.
“I had a mission, and I had a vision to fight Gervonta Davis, and to bring the fans what they really wanted to see. I made it happen. That’s what I’m happy about more than anything in life right now.
“In the blink of an eye, it will be finished. That’s what’s going to happen. Everybody will be shocked. Nobody will have anything to say. No words will be spoken.”
Morrell: ‘(Yamaguchi)Falcao is a good fighter, but I’m better in all aspects’
Undefeated WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell Jr. has no concerns about a late change in opponent as he prepares to face Olympic Bronze Medalist Yamaguchi Falcao this Saturday, April 22 in the co-main event of the Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia SHOWTIME PPV® production taking place from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The pay-per-view telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT is headlined by undefeated rivals Gervonta “Tank” Davis and “King” Ryan Garcia in a 12-round showdown.
Photos: iRull Fotos by Hosanna Rull
A Cuban-native who came to Minneapolis to begin his pro career in 2019, Morrell (8-0, 7 KOs) has quickly shown off the talents that made him a standout in Cuba’s storied amateur scene. The 25-year-old captured an interim title by dominating then-unbeaten Lennox Allen in August 2020 in just his third pro fight before being elevated to champion.
Morell, who trains in Texas with renowned coach Ronnie Shields, was originally scheduled to face Sena Agbeko, who was forced to withdraw after not being licensed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Despite the late change in opponent, Morrell has no concerns about facing an accomplished veteran Falcao. Here is what he had to say about that matchup and more:
On his matchup with Yamaguchi Falcao:
“For most fighters it might be difficult to adjust to a new opponent, especially being that Falcao is a southpaw, but I’ve seen so many styles that I feel confident with anyone that’s across the ring from me. Falcao is on a nice winning streak and I’m sure his confidence is at an all-time high. He knows that winning this fight could change his life dramatically, so I know he’s coming to fight. I have plans to take him out and send another message to the entire super middleweight division. Falcao is a good fighter, but I’m better in all aspects.”
On his recent training camp:
“I’ve been training with a purpose since I got the word that I’ll be fighting on one of the biggest cards of the last ten years. Ronnie Shields and I have been working endlessly to get everything fine-tuned. With all the intense training I’ve been doing, I’m going to be in the best shape of my career. I’m right on weight and I’m feeling great. I had a great training camp.”
On fighting in Las Vegas in his first PPV event:
“As a kid, I would always dream about what it would be like to fight in Las Vegas, and here we are. It’s a tremendous blessing. I’ve worked hard to get to this point in my career and I’m ready to become a star. I want to thank my team for getting me this fight. Davis vs. Garcia is going to be one of the most watched PPV events in modern day history. My goal is to shine on the big stage and steal the show.”
On what a win will do for his career:
“With all the big fights in the super middleweight, winning this fight means everything. If I’m going to fight David Benavidez, Canelo Alvarez, Jermall Charlo or any of the other big names in boxing, I must win this fight. So, everything is on the line on April 22. A win will get me to the biggest fights in the sport.”
Garcia: ‘I have big dreams to become the next big Mexican star in boxing’
Undefeated 19-year-old rising middleweight sensation Elijah Garcia will look to move one step closer to achieving his “big dreams” of boxing stardom and becoming one of the future faces of Mexican boxing when he takes on Kevin Salgado in the pay-per-view telecast opener of the highly anticipated Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia SHOWTIME PPV® production on Saturday, April 22 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
“It’s simple, a victory gets me bigger fights against top level competition,” said Garcia (14-0, 12 KOs). “I know if I keep winning, all the big fights will happen. I have big dreams to become the next big Mexican star in boxing, but I’m going to take it one fight at a time.”
Fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz., Garcia earned a career-best victory in March, blasting out the previously unbeaten Amilcar Vidal in the fourth-round on SHOWTIME® to announce his presence in the 160-pound division. Now he’ll step up to compete on boxing’s biggest stage, kicking off the pay-per-view telecast leading up to a long-awaited main event.
“Words can’t describe how excited I am,” said Garcia. “I’m only 19 years old, so for me to be fighting on the big stage like this is a testament to my team, and all the hard work we’ve put in. I want to personally thank everyone who made this fight happen. I’m so grateful to everyone involved in my career and my plan is to make everyone proud with a monumental performance on April 22.”
Prior to bursting on the scene in March, Garcia had a busy 2022, racking up four victories, including three knockouts, punctuated by a second-round TKO over Cruse Stewart that streamed live on SHOWTIME SPORTS® digital platforms. As he prepares for April 22, led by his trainers, father George and grandpa George, Sr., Garcia believes that he’ll step into the ring an improved fighter from his last appearance.
“Everyone will see a better version of me when I step in the ring next week,” said Garcia. “Every day in training camp is another day closer to making my dream of becoming a world champion a reality. I have a long way to go, but I take my training very seriously, because I know how hard it is to get to the top. It’s a family affair with my dad and my grandpa guiding my corner and we’ve been going hard at our gym in Arizona where all the magic is happening.”
Across from him on April 22 will be the veteran Mexico City-native Salgado (15-1-1, 10 KOs), who is the younger brother of former super featherweight world champion Juan Carlos Salgado. Now training in San Antonio, Texas, Salgado most recently earned a knockout in December and according to Garcia will provide his most difficult challenge.
“This will be the toughest fight of my career,” said Garcia. “Salgado has gone ten rounds before and has never been knocked out, so I know he’s got a great chin. My plan is to have my hand raised by any means possible. If the knockout comes, I’ll be happy, but I’m prepared to go the distance if need be.”
Photos: Franklin Ruiz/Team Garcia
Garcia on Davis: ‘I’m going to take him out’
Undefeated “King” Ryan Garcia showed off his vaunted power and hand speed during a media workout from a ring overlooking the picturesque San Fernando Valley in Beverly Hills on Tuesday, vowing to “destroy” Gervonta “Tank” Davis ahead of their clash on Saturday, April 22 headlining live on pay-per-view from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Garcia has headlined fights across Los Angeles, Dallas and San Antonio, with fans packing the rafters to watch his meteoric rise. He now steps into the biggest fight of his career and a rare matchup of unbeaten superstars in the prime of their careers. The 24-year-old looked at home on Tuesday as he hit the pads in the ring assembled in the backyard of a mansion owned by reality TV personality and businesswoman Adrienne Maloof.
Here is what Garcia had to say Tuesday:
On what this fight means to him:
“This fight means a lot to me. It means everything. It’s a moment that I’ve been envisioning for so long now. It’s the only thing I’ve wanted for so long, to defeat Gervonta Davis and to destroy him. To end everything that he’s ever worked for, because I know he’s trying to do that for me. I’m going to take him out. He’s done. It’s nap time for Gervonta.
“I’m just going to be focused in the ring, no matter if it’s the first round, second round, third round. Any of the rounds, he can go to sleep. He’s going to have to be careful. That’s what I have to tell him. Be careful. I don’t think he is, and he’s going to walk into one. Or I’m just going to go get him. Either way, I’m going to beat him.”
On fight week:
“I’m excited for fight week and I’m going to be even more excited when I’m there. But right now, my thoughts are just, ‘stay focused and do my best during the media workout.’ When I get there, I’m going to love it. Everybody is going to be there. Everybody wanted this fight so I’m expecting good energy and for everybody to be pumped up. Some people are going to think he’s going to win, some people are going to think I’m going to win. I’m just going to win.”
On Media Workout:
“Nobody really trains at these media workouts, so I just thought to make it as cool and as fun as it can be. I know that I’m going to be training at 7 o’clock tonight, so I might as well make a show out of this. Everybody is getting some good food, I’m going to treat the media well and give them the best answers as I can, and that’s it. Make everybody happy.”
On what this fight means for boxing:
“This is a huge fight for boxing. It can really change the trajectory of the sport and inspire young fighters to get it on right now. People are going to love you. They’re going to see that you went out there and you fought the best and you gave it your all. Even if you win or even if you lose, you showed them what a champion is in life. You just get right back up and you don’t let negative people that won’t even dare to do anything keep you down because you know where you’re going in life. To me, this is important to everybody that it takes courage to go after something that nobody believed you could do. That’s why I’m standing here today. To make everybody realize that if you’re in there and chase your dream like you’ve never chased anything before, and you’ll see something special happen.”
On showing the world his greatness:
“This is a fight to show everybody that I’m great. I’m not daring to be great. I know I’m great. I know when I step in the ring, he’s going to feel something he’s never felt before. I’m going to conquer him. Everything he tries to do I’ll have an answer for him. Gervonta Davis is not going to beat me. I promise you.
“He’s going to nap time. Nap time can be with either the right or the left. It doesn’t matter. I think he’s just terrified of the left hook. Once he hears that in his dreams, he just starts shaking in his boots. That’s a trigger word for him. Left hook. He just gets terrified of that.
“I feel like people have lost touch with what boxing truly is about. People used to realize that you see how a champion reacts after he gets hit. That’s how you determine what a champion is. People have lost touch with that. It used to be a proud moment where you showed that you can still stay focused in the fight. You can still get back to controlling it and you can still knock somebody out after you get dropped. That should have been the testimony of how much of a champion I truly am in my heart.
“But we live in a world where people expect you to be perfect and they don’t understand that this is real life. We’re really fighting here. But you respond by getting up and going and doing your thing. You show everybody that you’re great. You don’t let those things tear you down and you keep moving forward. I have to show people that I’m destined for this.”
Working with trainer joe Goosen:
“This is going to be my third fight with Joe Goossen and having a guy with so much experience and understanding of the game, I just love being around him. He’s a very intelligent man. I love being around a person that you can just talk to about life in different ways and come to better understandings of both life and boxing. It’s great to have a person like that around me.
Davis taking him to “deep waters”:
“Gervonta says he’s going to take me into deep waters. Guess what, I know how to swim. It’s nothing special. He needs to come up with something better than that. Think a little harder.
“I hope Gervonta has been getting good sleep. If not, he’ll get some good sleep April 22.”
Davis on fight with Garcia: ‘This is gonna be an early night for sure’
Undefeated former world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis held a media workout in Las Vegas Thursday ahead of his long awaited clash against hard-hitting sensation “King” Ryan Garcia taking place Saturday, April 22 headlining live on pay-per-view from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Davis vs. Garcia is promoted by GTD Promotions, TGB Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and the telecast is produced by SHOWTIME PPV.
Davis will headline a pay-per-view telecast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT as he faces Garcia in a rare matchup of unbeaten superstars in the primes of their careers. Davis has established himself as one of boxing’s hottest, must-see attractions, selling out arenas in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta and most recently, Washington D.C., and with a victory on April 22, can solidify himself as the future face of boxing.
Here is what Davis and his longtime trainer Calvin Ford had to say Thursday from Barry’s Boxing Gym in Las Vegas:
GERVONTA DAVIS
“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.
“I’m feeling great. 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.
“Ryan is gonna have to show me that he has more than just a left hook. 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.
“This win would mean a lot. 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
CALVIN FORD, Davis’ Trainer
“’Tank’ just needs to listen and do what he’s been doing all along. 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.
