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Ryan Garcia wins his WBC Silver and NABO lightweight title bout against Philippine rival Romero Duno at MGM Grand Garden | Courtesy: Getty Images
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Ryan Garcia wins his WBC Silver and NABO lightweight title bout against Philippine rival Romero Duno at MGM Grand Garden | Courtesy: Getty Images
There is no denying that the lightweight phenom, Ryan Garcia, is currently one of the strongest contenders in the division. Moreover, his April 2023 showdown with WBA (Regular) lightweight titleholder, Gervonta Davis, has been one of the most highly anticipated fights in the lightweight division. Meanwhile, there have been talks about a tune-up fight for Garcia ahead of the Davis showdown. But it seems like Garcia does not wish to have a tune-up fight.
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Garcia was scheduled to face Filipino southpaw sensation Mercito Gesta for a fight in January 2023. It is worth mentioning that Davis also has a fight set for January. He will be facing Hector Garcia for a lightweight title defense.
But, it was recently reported that the Garcia – Gesta fight might not take place.
Ryan Garcia vs Mercito Gesta – an unnecessary endeavor?
In a recent series of tweets, Garcia was vocal about being impatient about the Davis fight. And also mentioned that he does not wish to have a tune-up fight prior to it.
F*ck the tune up. Bring on Tank. SPARKING HIM OUT IN 2 ✌️
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) December 17, 2022
Never was a contract just talked about. I was deciding if I needed a fight before
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) December 17, 2022
He blatantly stated that he does not want the tune-up fight and that he is sure to quickly obliterate Davis. When asked if his fight with Gesta was canceled. Garcia mentioned that the fight was never officialized and that it was merely in the talks.
In fact, he had previously also spoken about being unsure about the fight. He said, “Been thinking about it during the time they were figuring out this fight. And I feel the fans and everyone who supports boxing have seen these tune-ups.”
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DALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 02: Ryan Garcia reacts after defeating Luke Campbell during the WBC Interim Lightweight Title fight at American Airlines Center on January 02, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
He further added, “I refuse to do another tune-up. I’m ready for this moment. In my heart, I didn’t want to do that to you guys! We are coming straight for Tank!”
Garcia also apologized to his fans for not fighting in January. And also mentioned that his fight with Davis means a lot to him.
The upcoming Garcia vs Davis showdown
Fans of the lightweight division were long anticipating a sensational showdown between Garcia and ‘Tank’ Davis. But, the wait was a long-drawn affair with talks not reaching fruition multiple times.
I’m so pumped this fight is finally in place — I want it more than anything right now. I’ve put in the work, I’m at the prime of my career, and I know I’m going to be the biggest boxer in the world. That legacy starts today🥊 pic.twitter.com/6Hv5y3hwMY
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) November 17, 2022
It was announced in November 2022 that the duo has decided the terms for the fight. Garcia is set to fight Davis on April 15, 2023. While it is said that the fight will take place in Las Vegas, the actual venue is yet to be decided.
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Do you think Garcia should take up the tune-up fight? Do let us know in the comments below.
