Controversial lightweight star Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis set up a mouth-watering showdown with fellow unbeaten Ryan Garcia with a TKO win over Hector Luis Garcia.
Davis (28-0, 26 KOs) was arrested for domestic assault and spent a night in prison just days before the fight with the latter Garcia (16-1, 10 KOs).
But the 28-year-old was still permitted to participate in the bout and went on to claim a TKO victory following the eighth round, with Garcia forced to quit on his stool after complaining he could no longer see.
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Just minutes earlier the eighth round had to be stopped due to a fight in the first two rows of the crowd at Washington DC’s Capital One Arena.
After ringside security ensured the situation was resolved, Davis’ power was on display and WBA super featherweight title-holder Garcia buckled at times before the bout concluded in-between rounds.
Davis successfully defended his WBA (Regular) lightweight title – Devin Haney holds the super title after his defeat of George Kambosos Jr last June – and is set to clash with Ryan Garcia in April.
“God willing, I’m ready for the fight,” Davis said post-fight.
“It’s scheduled for April and I’m here. On my end, I’m ready. I’ll take a week off and I’ll be back (in the gym) for sure.”
Davis landed 99 shots to 55 along with 53 per cent of his power punches.
“When I got the shots to the head in the final round, I couldn’t see anymore,” Garcia said.