Avila Perspective, Chap: 212: Tank vs Garcia, Munguia and More

Finally, after more than a year of challenges, taunts and promises Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Ryan “KingRy” Garcia will meet in the prize ring early next year it was announced on Thursday.

It’s an early Christmas present.

WBA lightweight titlist Davis had actually targeted Southern California’s flashy Garcia for a while, but things got in the way. As often the case, its not the fighters but the networks that trip up the major confrontations that fans want to see.

Davis is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Showtime and FOX contractually telecast his fights on their television networks.

Garcia is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and DAZN contractually provides streaming of his fights on their network.

The trick is finding a way to please both networks who pay the promotion companies fees to show the fights. They found a way.

“Tank Davis vs. Ryan Garcia is one of the biggest and most exciting fights that can be made in boxing. We have two supremely talented boxers, both in their prime, who have amassed huge fanbases, meeting in a career defining fight,” said Stephen Espinoza, president of Showtime Sports. “This is the epitome of a crossover boxing event. All credit to Tank and Ryan for staying the course and giving the fans the fight they want.”

Davis, 28, has crackled wherever he fights. Last December, he proved a gate attraction in Los Angeles against Isaac Cruz and then last May in Brooklyn against Rollie Romero. Fans and celebrities gathered in force to watch the pocket-sized destroyer perform. He has delivered in every fight.

Garcia, 24, has another type of fan base that’s more driven by social media. Though millions follow the fighter with movie star looks and outstanding athletic talent, the hard core fight fans are not yet convinced. A win by Garcia would open the gates to boxing super stardom.

Oscar De La Hoya, whose company promotes Garcia, knows as a former marquee fighter the trials and tribulations of making a mega fight happen. In this case it was not just rival promoters but rival media networks.

“Our motto has always been that the fans come first, and this is just another example of how we’re leading by example,” said De La Hoya CEO of Golden Boy.

No date or venue has been finalized but early indications seem to target Las Vegas in April.

Both fighters are young and undefeated and have large followings. Despite a size disadvantage at 5’6” in height, Davis has immense boxing skills and explosive power especially with the left. Garcia has incredible quickness, size and one-punch knockout ability with the left hook.

Fans have been drooling for this match.

Munguia in Mexico

Middleweight contender Jaime Munguia (40-0, 32 KOs) returns to his homeland and meets Argentina’s Gonzalo Coria (21-5, 8 KOs) on Saturday Nov. 19, in Guadalajara, Mexico. DAZN will show the Golden Boy and Zanfer Promotions card.

Munguia last performed in June when he overwhelmed the resilient Jimmy “Kilrain” Kelly with blows that forced the referee to halt the beating at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

Once again, the Mexican slugger faces a boxer-type foe in Coria who is a southpaw.

“I am excited for the opportunity to showcase my talent against a great champion like Jaime. We have trained hard, and come Saturday the fans are in for a treat,” said Coria who hails from Cordoba, Argentina.

Despite Coria’s lack of knockout power, Munguia does not underestimate the Argentine.

“In boxing, there are no simple opponents, and Coria is no exception. We hope that once we pass this hurdle, we are set for a big fight in 2023,” said Munguia.

Friday in Ontario, Calif.

Welterweight prospects collide as Luis Lopez (12-1-1, 4 KOs) meets Adrian Gutierrez (12-0-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round main event on Friday Nov. 18, at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif. It can be seen on Thompson Boxing Promotions page on Facebook.com.

“I give Lopez a lot of credit for being a tough fighter, and a true warrior in the ring, but I don’t see anything special in him, and beyond that, don’t call this an upset when I win. I’m undefeated and should be the favorite. I have never lost,” said Chula Vista’s Gutierrez.

Lopez understands Gutierrez’s confidence and duly notes it.

“He has never lost, and I have – so in some ways, he has an advantage in that regard, but I will show I am the vastly better fighter. I look at fighters like Daniel Roman and Timothy Bradley, Thompson Boxing had them fight tough opponents so they could be ready for step-up fights. I want to be the next great fighter for this promotion, and in order to do that, I have to beat good fighters.”

Showdown in Carson next week

Super lightweight’s most dangerous contenders Regis Prograis and Jose “Chon” Zepeda clash for the vacant WBC world title next week on Nov. 26, at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. FITE.TV pay-per-view will stream the MarvNation Promotions fight card.

Few are willing to step in the ring against either fighter so it makes sense that the two former world titlists face each other.

Prograis (27-1, 23 KOs) formerly held the WBA super lightweight title and lost to Scotland’s Josh Taylor in an entertaining firefight.

Zepeda (35-2, 27 KOs) fought and lost a close decision to former champion Jose Carlos Ramirez and has been unable to entice any other champion to accept a challenge. Except for Prograis.

It’s only fitting they face each other in the warrior’s den at Dignity Health Sports Park formerly known as the StubHub Center and Home Depot Center. Many a war has taken place at that venue. Tickets are available.

Fights to Watch

Fri.ThompsonBoxingPromotions.com 8:00 p.m. PT Luis Lopez (12-1-1) vs Adrian Gutierrez (12-0-1).

Sat. DAZN 7:00 p.m. ET (main card) Jaime Munguia (40-0) vs Gonzalo Coria (21-5).

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