![WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 07: Gervonta Davis punches Hector Luis Garcia in their WBA World Lightweight Championship match at Capital One Arena on January 7, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)](https://media.bleacherreport.com/image/upload/w_40,h_27,c_fill/v1673162145/oxrkakgewt1lbvavinew.jpg)
Patrick Smith/Getty Photographs
Gervonta “Tank” Davis (28-Zero, 26 KOs) earned a TKO victory over Hector Luis Garcia (16-1, 10 KOs) after Garcia did not reply the bell within the ninth spherical of the primary main occasion of boxing from 2023. from the Capital One Enviornment in Washington DC
While Garcia put in a valiant effort, he couldn’t keep up with the power of Davis, who landed some clean shots in the eighth.
Tank has one of the best knockout rates in boxing, and analysts and fighters alike were impressed with the stoppage win.
Legendary coach and analyst Teddy Atlas Jr. reminded us that Davis’ game isn’t just about sheer power. He is an expert at setting up his fight changing shots.
Teddy Atlas @TeddyAtlasReal
Like I said, Davis is a complete fighter and a good counter puncher and that landed. #DavisGarcia
Of course, setting up those counters can take time. The fight got off to a rather inauspicious start, with neither fighter throwing much volume in the early rounds.
Garcia’s performance received a mixed bag of reactions.
There were those who applauded his toughness and willingness to pocket such a dangerous punch:
Steve Kim @SteveKim323
Hector Luis Garcia isn’t intimidated at all early on with Tank. The first two frames are very close, relatively uneventful.. #boxing
Others wondered if Garcia’s ability to frustrate Davis early in the fight could be a template for someone like Ryan Garcia to exploit later:
Sergio Mora @TheLatinSnake_
At 5’9, Garcia’s height and reach give Tank trouble breaking up the distance.
Makes you wonder what the other 5’11 Garcia would do with faster hands. 🤔⚡️ #TankGarcia
But two-time welterweight Shawn Porter felt Garcia wasted a prime opportunity to mount the upset early in the fight:
ShowtimeShawn Porter @ShowtimeShawnP
Hector started too slowly. He has 1 rd left to pick him up and gain control. Tank’s patience is masterful. Close rd. tank 3-0. #DavisGarcia
Aside from the slow-burn build-up to the finish, one of the most interesting things that happened took place outside the ring. The action was interrupted due to an altercation in the crowd:
And Raphael @DanRafael1
Timeout in 8th place — fight in the crowd at ringside. Better than what happens in the ring. #boxing #DavisGarcia
The short break ended up being the precursor to the end of the fight. When the referee restarted the fight, Davis opened up his repertoire to finish the bout.
Davis will have to start preparing for an even bigger challenge soon. A fight with fellow undefeated fighter Ryan Garcia is reportedly in the works as well Chris Mannix of Sports activities Illustrated famous that April is the goal month for blockbusters.
Garcia weighed in after the struggle with a particular date in thoughts:
It is one of many largest fights on the calendar. Garcia, 24, and Davis, 28, are each of their prime and dealing their approach to celebrity standing within the sport.
This win from Tank will add to the hype for the showcase struggle.