Not a super fight, but Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia is compelling

It’s the best kind of showdown.

Young.

Undefeated.

Explosive.

But not a super fight.

Gervonta Davis has boxed 28 times without a loss. Twenty-six of his wins are by knockout.

Ryan Garcia has won all 23 of his fights, scoring 19 stoppages.

“I’m Already a Legend”: Tank Davis vs Ryan Garcia for the Face of Boxing

As people, they’re opposites, having grown up in different environments.

Davis was reared in Baltimore and witnessed things no child should see.

Hardened by the images and drugs around him, the eight-year-old Davis fought in the streets. His uncle took him to a nearby boxing gym operated by coach Calvin Ford. The decision was fortuitous. Davis captured three straight Silver Gloves titles, punctuated by winning the 2012 Golden Gloves.

Garcia was born in Victorville, Ca.to a close-knit and supportive family. His uncle, Sergio, boxed while his father became a trainer. Garcia followed suit, beginning his pugilistic life at seven. He would go on to capture fifteen national amateur championships.

Davis and Garcia had jawed at each other for years. There’s no grudge, but the competitive juices are popping.

“I don’t think skill-wise he’s on my level,” Davis said to Showtime Sports a few weeks ago.

“I’m ready for him,” said Garcia. “I’m gonna beat him, imma take everything from him.”

RYAN GARCIA PULLS UP ON GERVONTA DAVIS LIKE A BOSS; FIRED UP ARRIVING FOR FIGHT WEEK

As fascinating as the bout is, it’s not about something some fighters used to cherish years ago.

World championship belts.

Davis has held the WBA super featherweight title twice. His other belts don’t matter. Interim and such. Some folks at the WBA and WBC believe that no matter what the belt, it’s better to say the words than call it legit.

Ridiculous and hurts the sport.

Garcia’s nickname, “Kingry” plays right into this thinking.

Nope, no world title, no “Kingry.”

Gervonta “Tank” Davis can fight. Thought of one-dimensional a few years ago, Davis has shown an ability to improvise and think clearly in the ring.

In other words, he’s smart in there. See the Isaac Cruz fight. Cruz is a relentless fighter who was on a roll. He pushed Davis, who boxed more than many thought he could. Or would. He used the same strategy against Rolando Romero last year. A counter left to the chin rendered Romero useless.

ALL ACCESS: Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia | Ep 2 | Full Episode | #davisgarcia

Garcia stands tall and lets it fly. His left hook is extremely dangerous.  Just ask Davis, though his comments – were sprinkled with some criticism.

“You only have one hook,” Davis told Garcia during a press conference a few weeks ago. “You’re not a complete fighter. You’re not a complete fighter. You don’t got no footwork. You don’t got no IQ.  All you got is a left hook. That’s all you got. That’s all. The right-hand ain’t sh!t.”

Said Garcia, “He’s gonna go nap time with either the right or the left, so it doesn’t matter. I think he’s just terrified of the left hook.”

Garcia’s most impressive victory was over Luke Campbell two years ago. Down hard in round two, Garcia got up and whipped Campbell, producing a stoppage with a perfectly placed left to the ribs.

Davis is close to a 3-1 favorite. I see it closer than that, but if Davis can tag Garcia as Campbell did, it’s unlikely Garcia will get up, but that left hook…