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Ryan Garcia took a knee after a massive body shot by Gervonta Davis.
In the battle that was dubbed the biggest of the year, Gervonta Davis knocked down Ryan Garcia before stopping him with a body blow in the seventh round.
The two guys squared off in their prime in front of the stars in Sin City; sadly, this is a rare occurrence in sports, but it may serve as a sign of things to come.
Garcia entered the ring with an advantage in reach of a few inches, a half-pound more weight than Tank, and an 82.6% knockout rate to 'Tank's 92.9%. Today's bout had a catchweight of 136 pounds and a 10 pound rehydration clause.
'Tank' was flanked in the ring by his on-again, off-again mentor, Floyd Mayweather - a perplexing relationship but a fitting presence.
As expected, Garcia got off to a quicker start than Davis, who was satisfied to roam and observe from his southpaw posture.
In the second round, Garcia got going and displayed his quickness, unwilling to allow Davis get the win without making him pay.
But 'Tank' was eager to try, lunging in and ruining it. If analysts had suggested Garcia should have been more cautious, they would have been disregarded.
Garcia was sent down by Davis' trademark counterpunch, a stunning short left hook delivered from his boots. He got up swiftly but didn't enter right away. His team hopes that the lesson was learned.
In round three, Garcia appeared to be walking Tank down and closing the distance almost robotically, falling into the same trap that so many of 'Tank's dance partners had.
The pull-counter was in use, and the Baltimore guy had a range that was accurate to the millimeter.
It carried through into the seventh, with 'Tank' forced into a corner and a couple of lands for Garcia. But once more, his behavior proved to be his undoing.
Davis delivered a left hand that required a replay to determine its precise landing spot. Garcia knelt but his attempt was unsuccessful. Although a body shot caused it, there was blood coming from his nose.
Some may dispute Garcia's determination to stand. Naturally, following the bell they embraced
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Ryan Garcia on loss to Gervonta 'Tank' Davis
Speaking after the fight Garcia said, "He caught me with a good body shot and I just couldn't recover. I couldn't breathe. I just couldn't get up.
"Tank is a great fighter. I take my hat off to him. We talked a lot of s***, but it's all love at the end of the day. I was honoured to be in the ring with a great fighter and I respect him a lot."
Garcia has no doubts about wanting to fight. He should be congratulated for saying yes to things since many people wouldn't have.
But 'Tank' was better—some would say significantly better—and he becomes a superstar.
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