WBA “Regular” Lightweight Champion Gervonta Davis and unbeaten contender Ryan Garcia have reportedly signed contracts for a non-title bout in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 15, 2023. According to Mike Coppinger of ESPN, the deal will be finalized once representatives from Showtime and DAZN sign off on the deal.
Talks between Davis’ representation at PBC and Garcia’s promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, began to heat up in November. By December, a deal was reportedly put in place for the two fighters to take part in “tune-up” fights before fighting each other on April 15, 2023. Since then, a lot has happened.
On Garcia’s end, he has gone against the advice of Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya and opted not to take an interim fight. Meanwhile, Davis went ahead and stopped super featherweight champion Hector Garcia inside the distance. Unfortunately, he has been caught up in multiple legal battles along the way.
Prior to his most recent fight, Davis was detained after the mother of his child accused the boxer of striking her. Days later, she recanted her statement and will attempt not to testify in court. However, the charges levied against the boxer have stuck and he is expected to be arraigned later this week regarding the matter. Additionally, he has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a hit-and-run crash in Baltimore a few years ago. His sentencing hearing has been delayed until after the bout.
Beyond the two fighters, there have also reportedly been disputes regarding a rematch clause for the fight. Ultimately, the two parties agreed that only Davis would have the ability to enact a rematch clause if he so chooses. In the event that he does wish to pursue a rematch, Garcia’s promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, will take the lead on the next fight.
