Ryan Garcia’s Skepticism on Upcoming Fight
Ryan Garcia, a prominent lightweight contender, has expressed skepticism regarding the upcoming fight between Jake Paul and Gervonta “Tank” Davis, scheduled for November 14. In response to Netflix’s announcement, he labeled the prospects of this match as nothing short of ‘delusional.’
Concerns Over Catchweight and Integrity of Boxing
Garcia criticized the fight’s proposed catchweight of 195 pounds for Davis, questioning whether the naturally smaller boxer would agree to such a significant weight increase.
“There’s no way Gervonta accepted 195 pounds. He’s already smaller in stature; do you really think he would want to push himself up to a weight that high?”
Garcia remarked, implying that such a scenario is unrealistic.
Garcia also lamented the impact of fighters like Paul on the boxing landscape, arguing that this new approach compromises the integrity of the sport. He stated,
“This exemplifies the troubling trend where fighters focus on money-making opportunities rather than competitive integrity. The credibility of boxing is eroding before our eyes.”
Advice for Emerging Fighters
Pointing out the theatrical nature of these matchups, Garcia advised emerging fighters to concentrate on their own careers rather than get entangled in the spectacle.
“If you’re a young boxer, I recommend putting all your energy into establishing your reputation in the sport, not just chasing the latest gimmick.”
Critique of Netflix’s Involvement
As Netflix continues its foray into boxing entertainment, their decision to showcase a match involving Paul—who previously fought Mike Tyson earlier this year—raises eyebrows. Critics like Garcia argue that neither Paul nor Davis stands to gain much respect should they win. If Paul wins, it would label him the expected victor due to his larger frame, while a win for Davis would merely affirm his status as a champion.
Moreover, the nature of this fight being classified as an exhibition ultimately raises questions about the genuine competitiveness of the matchup, especially with its potential for limited action due to the established rules. Garcia and others find it hard to understand why Netflix is pursuing such a pairing, seeing it as a deviation from traditional boxing values.
About the Author
Phil Jay, a seasoned boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience, has served as the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, engaging with numerous champions and covering major boxing events around the globe.
