By Sam Volz: Trainer Joe Goosen is excited about Ryan Garcia getting the mega-fight he’s been after for ages against Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis on April 15th in Las Vegas.
Tank vs. Ryan was announced on Thursday for a dual network fight on pay-per-view on DAZN and Showtime. It’s the type of fight where whoever lands first with their bombs will have an excellent chance of scoring a knockout.
Like Tank’s last opponent Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, Ryan has tons of power but virtually no experience against upper-tier opposition during his career.
For Ryan to have a shot at beating Tank, he will need to keep his guard up and chin down because he’ll take his head off if he fights in his stand-up style.
Goosen believes that Ryan (23-0, 19 KOs) has the power to score a knockout with either hand against WBA ‘regular’ lightweight champion Tank Davis (27-0, 25 KOs).
He says that Ryan is one of the best fighters he’s trained during his long career as a coach. Ryan was already a dangerous puncher when he started training with Goosen recently, but thus far, he doesn’t seem to have improved with his defense.
“Once Ryan turns the switch on, he’s about as dedicated as anyone I’ve ever worked with, and that’s saying something,” said trainer Joe Goosen to Fightype about his thoughts on his fighter Ryan Garcia.
“It becomes real today when you actually hear this, especially when you hear this from the other side [Tank Davis] that it’s signed, sealed, and delivered. We are on our side as well.
“I think this is going to be one of the biggest matches in a long time coming down the pike here. It’s a very competitive fight. You’ve got two great fighters. We all know Gervonta has proven his worth. He’s undefeated.
“He’s a difficult guy to fight. He’s a left-hander, and he’s got a lot of experience. On the other hand, I’ve been working with a lot of great fighters during my career. I don’t have to name names in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Ryan Garcia might be the greatest talent I’ve ever worked with.
“I’m telling you right now, I’ve never had a fighter, and I’ve had some real big sluggers, bangers, boxers, pressure fighters. I’ve never had a fighter ever knockdown, wobble, hurt or break bones, which he’s done, on a consistent basis, if not nine out of ten guys.
“The power that he has, it’s very deceptive. You can see what happens to guys when he gets hit with that fight hand from Ryan, but let me tell you, his right hand is no joke, either. It’s very powerful.
“I’ve never seen anyone deliver; it’s short, quick, it’s lightning speed, and it’s delivered accurately. The technique that uses is something to behold in the gym when he hits.
“Whatever he does, he puts every inch of body into it. The torque he gets with his body. He almost comes off his feet. If you watch his technique and delivery system, it’s mesmerizing,’ said Goosen.
