Boxing great Mike Tyson has picked Gervonta Davis to beat Ryan Garcia in their highly anticipated bout on Saturday.
Tyson, a former WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight champion, made an appearance on ESPN on Friday to explain why Davis would stay undefeated.
“I kind of lean towards [Gervonta Davis] a little because of his style of fighting,” Tyson said. “What makes him different than most fighters that he does, that I once did, is when he punches, he catapults himself in the air.”
Davis (28-0, 26 KO) is a dangerous fighter who possesses a combination of hand speed and power in both hands. Due to his fighting style, the three-division world champion, along with Garcia, is one of the most exciting fighters in boxing.
“Me and Tank, we’re different because I kept my hands up most of the time and I went from a lower position but we both pretty much catapult ourselves in the air when we punch,” Tyson continued. “That’s where we receive most of our power.”
Garcia (23-0, 19 KO) is a highly skilled fighter known for his combination of speed, power and technical ability. The 24-year-old likes to use his jab to set up punches and has a devastating left hook that has contributed to many of his knockout wins.
Tyson, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011, isn’t convinced that Garcia’s dangerous left hook would disrupt Davis’ game plan in the 12-round main event.
“What I’ve seen in Ryan Garcia is that he has a really heavy set left hook. … but I believe Gervonta Davis can handle a good puncher. He’s a really tough kid,” Tyson said.
The buildup between Davis and Garcia has been intense, with both fighters exchanging heated words in the press and on social media leading up to their fight on Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
