Happy New Year, boxing fans. It’s the first day of 2021, and many of you have probably spent the day staring up at a screen, figuring out what food to order that will be best at quelling the rumbling in your stomach, which is there to tell you to next time not have that seventh drink.
I will be better this year, I will finally click into gear, and be the best version of me that can be.
That’s the mantra. And within 10 days, you will realize that you are what you are, which is to say “limited,” because you are human. Others have gone this route. No new promises to self, no grandiose resolutions, I am what I am and that’s that.
Seems like Gervonta Davis is in the latter category.
The Baltimore native, who holds a 24-0 (23 KO) mark, last fought on Oct. 31, when he downed solid vet Leo Santa Cruz via a KO of the Year contender. He’s now pondering how his 2021 might play out, and he’s setting a certain tone with some social media savagery.
Late Friday afternoon, Davis let one loose toward Oscar De La Hoya, who promotes Ryan Garcia in Saturday’s DAZN (Jan. 2, 3 pm ET) main event against Luke Campbell:
I don’t think Oscar was doing anything wrong in pondering what might come next for young Ryan, who now stands as the centerpiece of the Golden Boy roster. And while some chuckled at the crack, others said that was rich, being that Davis himself isn’t getting fitted for angel’s wings, because he’s had regular entanglements with the law.
How to Watch Garcia vs Campbell
Date: Saturday, Jan. 2 | Start Time: 3:00 pm ET
Location: American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX
Stream: DAZN
Online Coverage: BadLeftHook.com
Behind the scenes, does Garcia-Campbell have a bigger table-setting aspect beyond just the interim WBC lightweight title? Is there more to Tank’s engagement here than just passing the time with internet smack talk?
Let’s indulge in some “what if-ing.” Oscar says he really, truly thinks the 22-year-old Garcia would handle Davis, who turned 26 in November. Oscar cited how much better Ryan has gotten working with top trainer Eddy Reynoso, and other people think he’s filling out, getting that “man strength.” And though Garcia is younger, it seems he’s spent the past couple of years really focused on improving. Can we say the same for Gervonta, who has arguably acted like he’s beyond learning anything new, and has been listening to his crew telling him how marvelous he is?
Let’s say for the sake of argument that Garcia wallops Campbell, and we see Ryan Garcia vs Tank Davis in May. Who wins, and how?
And yes, if I were Luke Campbell and reading this, I’d be kind of salty.