Ryan Garcia Calls For A Potential Gervonta Davis Rematch Three Years After Defeat

Ryan Garcia shows his excitement in a rematch with Gervonta Davis, sparking his previous rivalry with him. Garcia publicly requested a rematch, and it is apparent that he desires a second chance under what he feels would be more equitable circumstances. Ryan’s statement carried added meaning as it came exactly three years after their first meeting on April 22, 2023, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

That fight ended with Davis earning a seventh-round stoppage by body shot, handing Garcia one of the most significant defeats of his career.  The Garcias’ callout quickly went viral, attracting a large following and making the fight a subject of discussion once again in the world of boxing.

Controversy Over Fight Conditions Rears Its Head

Ryan’s request for a rematch revolves around the circumstances of the initial battle. The initial match was scheduled at a 136-pound catchweight and had a stringent rehydration requirement: both boxers could weigh up to 146 pounds on the morning of the match.

These terms were agreed upon before the bout and enforced throughout fight week, but Garcia has since suggested they impacted his performance. At the time, Garcia had not competed at 135 pounds since 2021 and was known to carry more weight between fights. Following the loss, he indicated that the restrictions affected his physical condition.

While his father, Henry Garcia, later stated that the limitations left him significantly dehydrated. Garcia reiterated that he wants the rematch to take place on more balanced terms, emphasizing the importance of fairness in any plans. He hopes to get the rematch one day and needs the opportunity back under even conditions, reinforcing his belief that the first fight did not fully reflect his capabilities.

Davis’ Dominance In First Encounter

Despite the debate over conditions, Gervonta Davis entered the first fight undefeated and delivered a composed performance. He used his experience and pressure to control the pace of the bout before ending it decisively in the seventh round.

The victory improved Davis’ record to 29-0, while Garcia suffered the first defeat of his professional boxing career, dropping to 23-1 at the time. The victory further established Davis as one of the leading fighters in the division and added another major win to his résumé.

The win also reinforced Davis’ reputation for delivering under bright lights, especially in matchups with major stakes. Performances like this continue to separate him from the pack, showing why he’s viewed as one of the sport’s most reliable finishers.

Questions Surround A Potential Rematch

While Garcia’s callout has revived interest in the rivalry, a second fight is far from guaranteed. The fan’s reaction is quite uncertain, with some fans supporting the idea while others have raised concerns about Garcia’s recent setbacks.

Many pointed to his failed drug test for Ostarine following his 2024 fight with Devin Haney, due to which he got a one-year suspension, a fine, and the bout being overturned to a no-contest. Garcia was later reinstated in April 2025. Others also referenced his 2024 loss to Rolando Romero, suggesting he may need to rebuild momentum before pursuing a high-profile rematch.

Since his statement, Garcia has not publicly responded to those criticisms. So far, Gervonta Davis has not reacted to Garcia’s request for a rematch. Since their first meeting, Davis has competed only a handful of times while also dealing with matters outside the boxing ring. A second round would require new negotiations, including setting weight limits, financial terms, and promotion terms.

What’s Next

Garcia is now fighting at 140 pounds and has said he is willing to fight big names in the division. His recent comments have drawn attention to his rivalry with Davis, but there have been no reports of a fight between them.

If the fight happens again, it will likely get a lot of attention, since their first fight was very successful. Until then, people keep wondering if they will fight again. This is one of the unanswered questions in boxing.