Undefeated Gervonta “Tank” Davis went face to face with unbeaten WBA 130-pound champion Héctor Luis García at a press conference on Monday before they meet for Davis’ WBA regular lightweight title on Saturday, January 7th headlining a pay-per-view event at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. Davis has established himself as one of boxing’s hottest attractions, capturing one world title and other secondary titles through three divisions. He will need to dispatch the dangerous and streaking García to pave the way for the recently announced blockbuster clash against unbeaten star Ryan Garcia in the spring of 2023.
Monday’s press conference also featured fighters who will be competing on the pay-per-view telecast: unbeaten Jaron “Boots” Ennis, who faces Karen Chukhadzhian for the IBF interim welterweight title, unbeaten welterweight Rashidi Ellis, who duels the hard-hitting Roiman Villa in a twelve-round fight, and undefeated former two-division champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade who clashes with Maryland's Demond Nicholson in a ten-round super middleweight fight opening the pay-per-view. Here is what the fighters had to say Monday from The Hotel Washington:
GERVONTA DAVIS
“This is another event that we’re excited for. I’ve been working hard and I appreciate everybody that’s come out today. This is a stacked undercard, it almost feels like I’m back in the amateurs with all these great fighters.
“We’re gonna go back into training camp right after today because we’re not sleeping on this guy. I know we have two fights lined up, but I’m only focused on this one. I’m ready to go through everybody that’s in my way.
“This is really important for me. It’s huge to open up the opportunity for other fighters to showcase their skills on the big stage. When you make your mark in the sport, it’s about coming back and showing other people that it can happen for them.
“This is just me trying to get over that hump. I don’t think of it as a dream come true. I’m not where I want to be yet. This fight is the next step.
“It feels good to be back home. All the greats have fought here and now I get to come back home and put on a great event. I love getting everyone together to have a party. That’s what it is. We grind in the gym and a lot of people don’t see that, so when the big event comes, it’s time to show up.
“I’m just ready to shut everyone up. All the talking that’s going around, I just want to go in the ring and shut them all up.
“I’ve always been the guy who stays focused and knows that whoever is in front of me is a threat. We know that Garcia is coming. I’m watching him a lot. I know what they’re doing day in and day out.
“There are a lot of young fighters coming behind me and I just want to be able to give them the platform that they deserve.”
HECTOR LUIS GARCIA
“I’m very happy to be here in this position. I’ve worked extremely hard to make this my year. I’m going to make this a great show for the boxing fans and the Dominican Republic. My team is going to have me ready for this fight on January 7th.
“I’m not fazed by anything people say. I know who I am and I know what to do. My preparation has been so good that I’m going to be ready to give 100%.
“I know that I have the height advantage, but I can adapt myself to the rhythm of my opponent. I know that I’m facing one of the best fighters out there, but I’m fully confident I have what it takes to win.
“I’m taking my normal approach to this fight. I’m a great fighter too and I have Olympic experience. We have no reason to change our preparation for this fight.
“If I beat ‘Tank’ on January 7th, I’d be happy to go after a fight against Ryan Garcia. I don’t think he’s on the same level as me and Gervonta.
“I feel at home here. I’m sure that I’m going to get a lot of support for myself. Most importantly I’ll have my family here having my back.
“We’re coming to make this a battle. Whether it’s toe-to-toe or he wants to move and box, me and my trainer are ready. We trust each other and that goes a long way in fights like these.
“I want to make my name in this sport and make it last a lot longer after I’m around. I’m taking it one fight at a time, but I have big goals that I’m looking to reach.”
CALVIN FORD, Davis’ Trainer
“This fight is important to us. We’re trying to take the hardest fights. Hector is coming to fight. He’s had two impressive wins and is a real world champion. This is a fight that we asked for. I always say that the road to success is through D.C., and now we’re here.
“We can’t sleep on Garcia. He’s got a great team and we’re going to be up for the task. Gervonta is going to make everyone remember him. We don’t talk, we just show y’all.
“The only thing on my mind is Hector Luis Garcia. He’s bringing a lot to the table. People know he’s the real deal. Hector is standing in front of us. We have so much pain and we need to release it before we go to the next level.
“They don’t want to give him his props, but that’s good. We’re from the mud and we know how to play in the mud.
“Gervonta is coming into the man that we’ve been training for years. We understand that this fight is the main fight toward the other fight. I’m talking to a grown man now. I’ve been with him for so many years, and it’s so amazing to see him go from a kid to a grown man.”
BOB SANTOS, Garcia’s Trainer
“We’re really thrilled to go against pound-for-pound one of the best fighters in the world. We’re excited about the opportunity.
“We haven’t done anything different than what we’ve done in the past. Everyone should really tune into this fight, because it’s going to be an all-time classic. At this point, Gervonta is the best 135-pounder in the world.
“This fight reminds me of Joel Casamayor vs. Diego Corrales and I’m expecting that kind of performance. I know that these fighters are going to bring the best out of each other.”
