In their high-profile bout in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, unbeaten Gervonta Davis stopped Ryan Garcia with a paralyzing body blow, handing the Californian his first loss in his professional career.

Davis, who has five world titles across three weight divisions, increased his record to 29-0 with 27 knockouts and added another highlight – reel knockout to his resume.

Garcia was going forward in the second round when Davis smashed him with a left overhand counterpunch, sending Garcia to the canvas.

The knockout punch came blindingly quickly as Davis used Garcia’s advance as cover to strike another powerful left to the ribs.

Before referee Thomas Taylor counted to ten, Garcia staggered back, recovered himself, and made an effort to square up before he fell to one knee and became unable to rise.

“It was a good shot.” “I thought he was going to get up. I was looking at him, trying to tell him ‘get up.” “And he just shook his head.” 

Gervonta Davis

No championship was at stake, and neither was supremacy in the 135- or 140-pound divisions.

But the 136-pound catchweight bout, the main event of a pay-per-view program, lived up to the expectations created by the matchup of undefeated fighters and brought a passionate, star-studded audience to the T-Mobile Arena.

“I am the face of boxing.” “I had never headlined a pay-per-view card despite earning world titles at super-featherweight, lightweight, and super-lightweight.” 

“I just saw Rihanna perform at the Super Bowl, and I was like, that was going to be me one day, and here we are.”

 “It definitely matches the dream.” But the job’s never done till I retire. So I’m going to keep my head down, stay humble, and continue to work.”

Gervonta Davis

In contrast, Garcia, who dropped to 23-1 with 19 knockouts, will need to start over. The 24-year-old is a fearsome opponent thanks to his hand speed and striking force, and his extensive social media use has made him a household name, but he has not yet won a top-tier world title.

Garcia was generous in his loss during a tense build-up to the fight, calling it “an honor” to face Davis.

“He just caught me with a good shot.” “I just couldn’t recover.” Snuck under me and caught me good.”

Ryan Garcia

He resisted asking questions to explain, but when prodded, he acknowledged having problems breathing.

“I was going to get back up, but I just couldn’t get up.”

Ryan Garcia

About Gervonta Davis:

On November 7, 1994, in Baltimore, Maryland, United States, Gervonta Davis was born. He began boxing professionally in 2013, and since then, he has risen to the top of the sport worldwide.

He has a 24-win, 0-loss record, with 23 victories through knockouts.

Davis, a well-known puncher likened to boxing great Mike Tyson, is noted for his strength. He is a Mayweather Promotions signee who has won belts in the super featherweight and lightweight weight classes.

Davis has given to several causes during his career and is well known for his philanthropic endeavors outside boxing.

About Ryan Garcia:

American professional boxer Ryan Garcia plays internationally. On August 8, 1998, he was born in Victorville, California. Garcia began boxing as a youngster and entered the professional ranks in 2016.

He is known for his breakneck hand speed and outstanding punching strength, which have assisted him throughout his career in winning several titles.

Garcia is also known for his social media presence, with millions of followers on platforms like Instagram and Twitter.

In addition to boxing, Garcia has also dabbled in acting and modeling. He is currently signed with Golden Boy Promotions and is considered one of the rising stars in the sport.

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