Tank Davis and Ryan Garcia Face Off at NYC Press Conference
By Ralph Rimpell
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 09 Mar 2023
Today in New York City, what used to be the fight capital of the world half a century ago, the first of two planned press conference began (the second in Los Angeles) for one of the most wanted and anticipated fights of 2023. WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis (28-0, 26KOs) will take on Ryan "KingRy" Garcia (23-0, 19KOs) on April 22, 2022 in the boxing capital of the world, Las Vegas, Nevada at the T-Mobile arena.
The figurative "buzz" is in the air as there was not any empty seat in the house at the Palladium center in Times Square press conference for the media. Garcia and his team (Trainer Joe Goosen, Promoters Oscar De La Hoya, and Bernard Hopkins) were the first to arrive on the dais to start the press conference.
After the usual preliminary introductions, Bernard Hopkins took the dais. Hopkins stated that this fight (Davis vs Garcia) was signed because the fans wanted it and it will be the biggest fight of 2023. He also highlighted that this fight was signed because all involved (two different promotional groups who represent each fighter) being able to work together which was in reference to Golden Boy Promotions and Premier Boxing Champions to sign Davis vs Garcia.
Next up to speak was Oscar De La Hoya who pretty much echoed Hopkins comments in reference to the magnitude of the fight. De La Hoya stated the Davis vs Garcia fight is the return of the Mega PPV fights in the Mayweather fashion and concluded by saying, "May the best man win".
The next to take the dais was Showtime Executive Stephen Espinoza. Espinoza highlighted the Showtime schedule in the coming months but pointed how Davis vs Garcia is the highlight of the upcoming schedule of exciting fights that the Showtime network will deliver in the coming months. Espinoza pointed how how Davis vs Garcia will be available on Showtime PPV as well as on DAZN, The collaboration between Showtime and DAZN is again another example that competing networks can work together.
Next up to speak was Executive Leonard Ellerbee who recounted on an initial meeting with Ryan Garcia who approached him at another fight card on fighting Tank Davis. Ellerbee gave a lot of credit to Garcia and pointed out that had it been for Garcia's promoters (De La Hoya and Hopkins) the fight between Davis and Garcia would not be happening. Ellerbee pointed out it was solely because of Ryan's decision that the fight is coming to fruition.
Up next to speak was Joe Goosen (trainer of Garcia) who pointed out the fight between the two fighters will be a great fight.
Next up to speak was Tank's trainer, Calvin Ford. Ford thanked Ryan and shook hands with him for taking the fight. Ford pointed out that Davis and Garcia are setting the example so other top fighters in boxing will fight each other. Ford thanked Hopkins for his contribution to boxing and showed a lot of respect to Joe Goosen and looked forward to going against Goosen trainer to trainer.
Next up to speak was Ryan Garcia. Ryan opened up with thanking all involved for signing the fight. Ryan also pointed out that there were many stipulations in the agreement to getting the fight with Tank. Stipulations such as what the contracted weight for the fight was (136lbs) and a re-hydration clause. Garcia chose not to elaborate too much on the contract. Garcia only pointed out that he and Tank are both great fighters and is looking forward to being great by defeating Davis.
Next up to speak was Tank. Tank thanked all his team, supporters, and Ryan for taking the fight. When asked why the fight is important, Tank stated he and Ryan are both great fighters in their prime. When Tank was asked by Bryan Custer if all the criticism for past opponents would stop after April 22, 2023, Tank's response was only he "hoped so" as critics would always have something to say to knock him.
Ryan's response to the same question was he believed criticism would stop as he is more known as a social media star. The press conference began to heat up when Brian Custer asked Ryan about a second round knockout prediction he made if he ever fought Tank. Ryan stated that was for promotional issues and was not sure how he was going to approach the fight.
Tank responded that was what Garcia "was supposed to say". When Ryan asked Tank to clarify as he did not understand Tank's statement, Tank said Ryan was, "talking out of his ass". Both fighters faced off for a photo and the trash talking continued, but fortunately they did not come to blows or have to be separated. Both fighters appeared confident that they will prevail on fight night. The next press conference (In LA) will no doubt heat up as this promises to be a great fight. Stay tuned folks.
***Ralph Rimpell is a writer based out of New York and is a Boxing Correspondent for Philboxing.com. Ralph holds an undergraduate degree from City University of New York. He has been a Boxing Writer for over ten years having written for several top boxing websites on the World Wide Web. Before becoming a writer, Ralph's passion was for professional wrestling until he realized professional wrestling was entertainment and not a real sport. It was at that time the 1984 US Olympic team made up of future stars such as Evander Holyfield, Meldrick Taylor, Pernell Whitaker, etc. entered the professional ranks and signed with promotional outfit Main Events.It was also at that time a young exciting Heavyweight originally hailing from Brooklyn named Mike Tyson also turned professional and became the face of boxing. Young boxing fan Ralph just couldn't get enough of boxing as a large part of it was being broadcast on "free TV". As time went on, Ralph felt boxing writers were not being forthcoming with their boxing coverage, opinion pieces, interviews, etc. So Ralph decided to write an article and submitted it to a Boxing website thinking it would be deleted and ignored by the Editor. To Ralph's surprise his article was posted on their website and the readers embraced it. The rest is history.
"I thank God for the Internet because it has created opportunities for writers like myself who likely would not have been given an opportunity to write for print publications. I hope someday soon to expand my role in Boxing on different levels." -- Ralph Rimpell
Contact Writer: RLuvsboxing@aol.com
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ralph Rimpell.
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