Representatives for Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis are 'in deep talks' regarding one of boxing's super fights
- Ryan Garcia's team told Insider they've had "deep talks" about a mega fight involving Gervonta Davis.
- Such a bout would break into the sporting consciousness in a way rarely seen in 2022.
LOS ANGELES — Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia's representatives are having positive discussions about what could become one of boxing's true mega fights, four sources with knowledge of the situation told Insider this week.
Golden Boy President Eric Gomez told Insider from his downtown Los Angeles office Tuesday that he is "working towards that" fight.
Golden Boy VP and Matchmaker Roberto Diaz also told us he knows Gomez "is in deep talks" about the event and that "the communication is there, which is a positive."
One source close to Davis confirmed these talks to Insider by saying that they thought the bout was "fairly close."
Another source said they'd be stunned if a deal did not involve a rematch clause, meaning fans could see Davis, 27, and Garcia, 24, fight twice.
Davis vs. Garcia would be one of boxing's biggest spectacles
Davis, a thunderous puncher, and Garcia, with his lightning-quick fists, are two of America's best and most well-known boxers.
"It's a great fight stylistically because you have a little Mike Tyson in Gervonta, a shorter and stockier fighter with the one-punch knockouts, against the flash in Ryan with his speed and his height," Diaz said.
By booking them into a fight now, the sport gets one of the best spectacles it can possibly make — at a time when it makes sense for them to box.
Furthermore, some of the most powerful and influential figures would be on stage to help promote the show.
Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe and Floyd Mayweather have handled Davis' growth into a bona fide attraction, while Garcia's growth has been overseen by Golden Boy partners Oscar de la Hoya and Bernard Hopkins.
This does not seem lost on organizers who, in conversations with Insider, said they expect this event to break through to the mainstream sporting consciousness in a way that has rarely been seen this year.
"We need to get back to the old days when Sugar Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns fought in their 20s, not in their late 30s," Diaz said. "This fight needs to happen now otherwise it's going to be too late."
"I want to see the best fight the best, and we're going to learn that if Ryan and Gervonta fight," he continued.
'There's always a way to make big fights'
"Right now, it's great for boxing, and it's great for the fighters," Diaz said. "It doesn't hurt either one if they lose, as they're young enough to improve and get better."
Potential issues surround fights like these because each athlete is backed by a rival promoter and broadcast partner.
Garcia is with Golden Boy and DAZN. Davis, meanwhile, is backed by Mayweather Promotions, Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), and Showtime.
But despite promoter and broadcasting rivalries, Gomez said he's confident any fight can be made providing all parties are willing to negotiate — including this one.
"We have no problem working any promoters," Gomez said. "There's always a way to make big fights."
Diaz added: "I love the match-up. I think it would be a 50-50 fight."
A venue is held December 17
The Georgia Athletic State Commission has December 17 listed as a prospective event on its calendar, according to public information seen by Insider.
It shows an event start date of 5:00 p.m. at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, which is a venue Davis has performed in before and has proven himself to be one of the hottest draws in boxing.
It is unclear whether this date and venue is reserved specifically for a fight involving Davis and Garcia, as Atlanta would likely be a very pro-Davis crowd.
But it is a nod to Davis potentially competing there at the end of the year.
The only question that remains is if 2022 can end with its biggest bang with Garcia in the opposite corner.