The fight between Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis will be at a catchweight of 136lbs, and have a 10lbs rehydration clause that means that both fighters must be no more than 146lbs when they weigh in again on the day of their fight.
They are scheduled to meet at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on April 22, when the 28-year-old Davis will also reportedly have a rematch clause to exercise in the event of defeat.
Davis arrived one hour and 50 minutes late for their press conference, in New York, to promote next month’s fight, and in his absence the naturally bigger Garcia, 24, told Showtime: “He’s trying to weight drain me. Then a rehydration clause – I can’t gain more than 10lbs
“He doesn’t have the heart of a champion. Look at how he represents himself as the champion – he’s not even here. It’s been over an hour.
“You can take that as he’s cool and whatnot, but in reality, if you look at the truth, it’s unprofessional, and it’s pretty whack of a champion like himself.”
Davis is being sentenced on May 5 after pleading guilty to four counts in a hit-and-run case in November 2020 that injured four people – one of them pregnant.
“We’ve gotta rush this promotion for your little issue, so why aren't you here?” Garcia, who hasn’t fought at lightweight since stopping Luke Campbell in January 2021, continued. “Show that respect for the promotion and the event; boxing for that part. It just shows his character and integrity.”
When Davis eventually arrived he and his opponent exchanged words over his punctuality, which included Davis accusing Garcia of “talking out of your ass”, and Davis later saying: “I haven’t even been asleep, I’ve been running around all day.
“I’d definitely like to apologise to everyone that made this happen, Al Haymon, Stephen Espinoza [of Showtime]; even Golden Boy and Mayweather Promotions.”
