By Allan Fox: Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis’ rehydration clause and 136-lb catchweight could pay dividends for him on Saturday by weakening his opponent Ryan Garcia just enough for him to ensure victory in their mega-fight.
Ryan (23-0, 19 KOs) and his dad, Henry Garcia, aren’t happy with the weight stipulations for the fight, but this is how it is in the art of war.
It’s good to be the king. If Ryan wins this fight or hangs around long enough to become the bigger star than Tank Davis, he too can use weight stipulations to gain an edge against his adversaries to enable him to hold onto his position as a top draw.
With Ryan being young at 24, the cumulative effects of the 10-lb rehydration clause and 136-lb catchweight might not do the number on him that Gervonta’s management is hoping.
Ryan has a thin build, and he’s not likely to be troubled too much by the four lbs he’ll be coming down in weight. The secondary weight check on the morning of the fight could be a problem for him.
Ryan can’t weigh more than 146 lbs, and that means he’ll need to without his fluids overnight after weighing in this Friday in the afternoon.
“Tank definitely didn’t want this fight at 140, which is a weight that I’m comfortable at. So he’s choosing to make cut even more weight to 136 in hopes that it weakens me,” said Ryan Garcia to the Warrior Mode, discussing the weight stipulations that Gervonta Davis put into the contract.
“When a fighter cuts weight, they lose a lot of their fluids and strength, and if you don’t have the proper proteins to make up for it, you become really drained, and some boxers even faint during weigh-ins,” said Henry Garcia. “So it’s very crucial.
“The last thing that hydrates into their system is their brain. That’s why most of them get knocked out.”
“It’s not like Tank has never fought at 140. He fought for a world championship at 140 [against Mario Barrios],” said Ryan. “He declares himself as a champion at 140. So there’s really no other reason for him not to do this other than he’s terrified of what I can do.
“This is one thing I want to make clear to people. This is not me complaining. This is me showing his integrity as a champion,” Ryan said of Gervonta. “If you’re not afraid, then what’s four pounds? You’re really afraid of four pounds? That’s your kryptonite, Tank? Four pounds? I never thought that.
“It’s not enough that I have to drain myself to 136. He now needs to add that I can’t gain more than 10 lbs the next day. I think that shows how much of a coward he is. How can you and the next guy up if that’s your character?
“You’re just looking to be a star. You want to trick everybody that you are that guy. You’re not that guy. So that’s how I know you’re not the person made for this because me in your position, I wouldn’t have that,” said Ryan.
