By Brian Webber: Tim Bradley says he’s not going to “coddle” Ryan Garcia any longer after he proved himself ready to face Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis with his seventh round knockout victory over Luke Campbell two years ago in January 2021.
Surprisingly, Ryan (23-0, 19 KOs) has fought just twice since registering his career-best win over Campbell, sending the Brit into retirement, but taking advantage of that victory by continuing to face high-caliber opposition.
Like many boxing fans, they don’t know what to make of the 24-year-old Ryan Garcia. Is he a “social media darling” or a real fighter, Bradley asks, and echoes Paulie Malignaggi, who asked if Ryan is more focused on being a fashion model or a groupie for the Paul brothers?
We’re going to find out soon if Ryan is a real fighter when he takes on Tank Davis (28-0, 26 KOs) next April, provided the fight gets made. Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya posted a warning last night, setting a Monday deadline for Tank’s management to send the contract to his company or they’re “moving on.”
“It’s important for Ryan Garcia. Everybody is hot & cold about Ryan Garcia, including myself,” said Tim Bradley to Fight Hub TV about Ryan Garcia potentially fighting Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis.
“We’re not sure what he is. Is he a social media darling, or is he a fighter? But stepping up against a fighter like Tank, who has that punching power, that one-punch punching knockout power, the guy deserves a ton of respect,” Bradley said about Ryan Garcia.
“I’m no longer going to coddle and say that Ryan Garcia isn’t ready for Tank. I’m no longer going to say that. Do you know why? Because when you think about it, he stopped [Luke] Campbell. Lomachenko fought Campbell. I remember that. I was there calling that at the O2 Arena.
“He [Ryan] stopped him at the O2 Arena [in London, England]. Not only did he stop him, but he also went down, got up, and stopped Campbell, which is a great fight, which shows his heart, which shows his determination,” said Bradley.
Ideally, Ryan should have followed up the victory over Campbell with fights against Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, Frank Martin, Vasyl Lomachenko or Shakur Stevenson. Those are fights that would have shown that Ryan is ready for Tank, and it would have made their match-up much bigger.