Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Ryan Garcia had to be restrained during Friday’s weigh-in outside T-Mobile Arena as a boisterous throng of both fighters’ fans watched on ahead of Saturday’s superfight.
Davis gently nudged Garcia when they hit the scales under the 136-pound catchweight limit. Garcia retaliated with a push, as numerous individuals linked with each combatant formed a barrier between them.
Davis weighed 135.1 pounds; Garcia weighed 135.5 pounds, his lowest weight since January 2021.
“I think [Davis] and Bernard [Hopkins] started getting into it, and then it just became something crazy,” said Garcia, 24, who has fought at the 140-pound limit in his last two bouts. “… My attention is now solely on Gervonta Davis. That’s why I kept staring at him. I’m prepared to annihilate him.”
Garcia (23-0, 19 KOs) stated he was allowed to eat breakfast, although he isn’t finished losing weight yet. That’s because the contract includes a rehydration provision – sought by Davis, who will surrender 4.5 inches in height – that specifies neither fighter would be permitted to weigh more than 146 pounds at a second weigh-in on Saturday morning.
Same-day weigh-ins are uncommon, although they have been used in the past for significant bouts. If either fighter adds more than 10 pounds and weighs more than 146 pounds on Saturday morning, they will risk six-figure penalties.
Davis (28-0, 26 KOs) has fought only at 140 pounds, winning an 11th-round TKO against Mario Barrios in June 2021. This is Davis’ highest weight since then.
“[Hopkins] needs to sit back and let the youngins do it,” Davis, 28, said of the Hall of Fame boxer who is affiliated with Team Garcia via Golden Boy Promotions. “… This [environment] got me aroused, dude. “It made me want to go out there and put on a great performance in front of the beautiful fans and… finish the job.”Punishment. Knockout. Don’t blink. No popcorn. No cocktails, none of that. Make sure you’re fully focused. It’s going to be a tremendous battle.”
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