Ryan Garcia has made it clear that any future clash with Gervonta “Tank” Davis must take place at welterweight - or not at all. Having outgrown the 140-pound division, Garcia says he can no longer drain his body to the lower weights. After suffering a seventh-round knockout loss to Davis in April 2023 at a contracted 136 lbs with a strict rehydration clause, “Kingry” insists he won’t repeat that scenario, which he now calls a “dumb move” that gave Tank an unnecessary advantage.
Garcia, currently on track for a May 2nd date with Rolando “Rolly” Romero in New York, believes he holds more leverage this time. The Californian notes that his star power still generates major paydays, forcing Davis to accept 147 if he wants another lucrative fight. Otherwise, Tank may have to find other opponents at lightweight, while Garcia sets his sights on a potential October rematch with Devin Haney - assuming both come out victorious in their respective spring tune-ups.
Addressing the reasons behind his ultimatum, Garcia points to the toll cutting weight took on his physical condition in the first matchup with Davis. Fighting well below his comfort zone, he found himself dehydrated and lacking strength and reflexes—a setback he’s determined to avoid. He’s convinced that a heavier, healthier version of himself would offer a drastically different performance against Davis, should they ever meet again.
While there’s no guarantee Davis will accept, Garcia remains confident that money talks. “Tank knows we made good money,” he said, underscoring the financial incentive for both men. Whether Davis is willing to move up two weight classes to settle unfinished business remains a significant question, but Garcia appears content to push forward at 147 and leave the lower weight days - and any rehydration constraints - behind.
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