Hector Luis Garcia has life-changing opportunity vs. Gervonta Davis

Can Hector Luis Garcia do it once more?

The Dominican shocked the boxing world by simply outpointing rising star Chris Colbert in February after which did the identical in opposition to Roger Gutierrez to win a 130-pound title in August, finishing a breakthrough 12 months for the 2016 Olympian.

He faces a good greater problem at 135-pounds on pay-per-view Saturday in Washington, D.C.: Gervonta Davis.

“Davis in my view is a high pound-for-pound fighter and one of many largest punchers in boxing, so I do know going into this struggle that I’m an underdog,” Garcia stated. “Not lots of people are giving me an opportunity on this struggle, however that’s what motivates me. I used to be in the identical scenario going into the Colbert struggle, however this time I had an actual coaching camp.

“I consider my type will give ‘Tank’ issues. I’m a southpaw with many methods, and I can be utilizing all of them once I step within the ring on January 7.”

Garcia (16-0, 10 KOs) will have to make use of all of them in opposition to Davis, who’s a big step up from Colbert.

Davis (27-0, 25 KOs) is among the greatest boxers on the planet and a knockout artist. The latter can’t be stated for Colbert, who didn’t have the punching energy to present the hard-charging Garcia a purpose to again off.

Plus, Garcia can be transferring up in weight for the struggle. He fought at 126 as just lately as December 2020.

That’s why Garcia is round a 10-1 underdog (common of a number of betting retailers). And it’s why a victory can be all of the extra significant for the 31-year-old.

If Garcia has his hand raised Saturday, he could have transitioned from a relative unknown to a two-division champion and conqueror of one of many sport’s largest stars in a span of solely three fights.

“A victory in opposition to ‘Tank’ will solidify me as among the best fighters on the planet,” Garcia stated. “I already consider that in my very own thoughts, however the world will understand how good I’m after this struggle. I didn’t get right here on my own. I need to thank my crew for all their help.

“Getting this struggle has modified my life ceaselessly, however profitable it should do wonders for everybody on my crew.”