Tim Bradley has given the edge to Gervonta Davis in a future blockbuster clash with Ryan Garcia.
Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs) called out Davis (25-0, 24 KOs) after climbing off the canvas to stop the now retired Luke Campbell in January and the pair spoke to each other on FaceTime alongside Mike Tyson, as the clamour increased for the unbeaten American rivals to meet.
However, ‘King Ry’ pursued a meeting with Manny Pacquiao which failed to materialise, whilst ‘Tank’, 26, became a three-weight world champion, stopping Mario Barrios in June to secure the WBA ‘regular’ super lightweight crown.
Former two-weight world champion and ESPN analyst, Bradley believes the pair need each other and can bring the best out of one another.
“You have two young, exciting guys,” Bradley told ESPN.
“One at the top of his game in Davis, and one that could be someone special, but still hasn’t proven it in Garcia.
“Garcia has the hype around him, the followers on social media. He has speed, and he has a size advantage over Davis.
“Garcia also has a tremendous left hook; he seems to be getting better training under the tutelage of Eddy Reynoso and Canelo Alvarez’s camp.
“Garcia got caught with a punch that he didn’t see against Luke Campbell, but the way he responded afterwards, that takes a lot of heart and mental toughness to get back in the fight.
“I think Davis and Garcia need each other. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Davis. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Garcia.
“I think they can bring out the best of each other if they fight, because both have something to fear. Fear can take you to do great things, do something that you didn’t know you had in you.
“I don’t think we have ever seen ‘Tank’ Davis hurt or even down before, so how will he react if he’s put on the canvas?”
Garcia has returned to training after pulling out of a scheduled July bout with Javier Fortuna to focus on his mental health.
Davis’ next step is unclear, however his promoter, Floyd Mayweather Jr said following his victory over Barrios that he would face an “in-house” fighter, either with Mayweather Promotions or Premier Boxing Champions, thus ruling out a clash with the 22-year-old, who is signed with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.
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Should they meet down the line, ‘Desert Storm’, who famously beat Pacquiao in 2012 to become welterweight world champion has backed ’Tank’ to overcome his compatriot.
“I have to go with the guy with more experience at a higher level and that’s Davis,” Bradley added.
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‘Tank’ will set him up, he will play defence and lure Garcia in and he will find a way to land that kill shot and hurt Garcia.
“Davis is one of the best finishers in boxing, and once he hurts you, it’s over.”
