Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach Jr fought to a split decision draw in a controversial showdown last month.
‘Tank’ Davis retained his WBA world lightweight title against Roach in what was an underwhelming performance from the 30-year-old from Baltimore, Maryland.
Midway through round nine, ‘The Reaper’ sensationally forced Davis to take a knee after hitting him with a stiff left jab, although referee Steve Willis failed to rule this as an official knockdown, effectively squandering Roach’s chances of being declared the winner.
One fighter who has shown an interest in the impending rematch between the lightweight stars is former WBC ‘interim’ lightweight champion Ryan Garcia, who was defeated by ‘Tank’ Davis exactly two years ago.
Speaking to ESNEWS, ‘King Ry’ backed his former rival to get the job done in a second encounter with Roach, as he expects the 30-year-old to make the necessary adjustments to ensure he walks away victorious.
“I got Tank. I think he’ll put on a different gear. I think he just thought it would be easier than it was and thought Roach would fold and he didn’t. Now he should expect a harder fight and I think he wins the rematch.”
Garcia is reportedly interested in his own rematch against Davis, as he looks to avenge what was the first defeat of his professional career. The 26-year-old from California returns to the ring himself on May 2 against Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero at the iconic Times Square in the heart of New York City.
‘King Ry’ is expected to lock horns with Devin Haney in a rematch later this year, after their first bout was ruled a no-contest when it was revealed that Garcia had tested positive for clomifene in separate tests, leading to him being served with a 1-year suspension from boxing and a fine of over $1 million.
