Garcia was stopped by Davis in the seventh round on April 22, 2023 in one of boxing’s biggest recent events. Since then, he has often pointed to the conditions of the fight, particularly the catchweight and rehydration clause, as factors he felt worked against him. Ryan’s decision to take those 2023 provisions was a mistake.
Some fighters move on after a marquee loss. Garcia keeps coming back to this one, suggesting that he sees it as unfinished business rather than a closed chapter.
Whether the rematch takes place is another matter. Davis remains one of boxing’s biggest draws, and there are several other money options available for both men. Garcia also has immediate business at welterweight after recent turmoil in and out of the ring.
Fan reaction was mixed. Some supported the rematch idea, while others argued that Garcia should first focus on current rivals and rebuild momentum before chasing Davis again.
The interest will still be high if it is ever made. Garcia clearly knows this, and he hasn’t let the idea go.
Ryan’s switching of fights in his own weight class is probably a mixture of ego and business. Even as a 147-pound champion, he knows the Davis rematch is the biggest money fight available. He feels he now has the leverage to demand equal grounds with no rehydration clauses and a higher weight.
However, jumping from the Teofimo Lopez and Conor Benn talk back to Tank seems like an odd move. Most fans would agree that Ryan should focus on unifying at welterweight or taking the Teofimo fight rather than luring a seemingly unmotivated, inactive Davis back into the ring for a grudge match from three years ago.
Since Tank Davis’ 12-round majority draw against Lamont Roach in March 2025, which was a major shock to the system, Tank has looked like a man with one foot out the door. He has spoken out about retiring to focus on his family and personal mental health. Davis hasn’t been in the ring since the Roach fight.
Tank dealt with significant legal issues in Florida earlier this year, which led to the WBA stripping him of his lightweight title and labeling him a “champion in retirement.” His coach, Calvin Ford, insists Davis will return in 2026, but it is unclear if he will.
