Ryan Garcia took a chance and lost, but boxing is better for it

LAS VEGAS — Ryan Garcia claimed he was ordained, that the outcome was all but predetermined — a vision that came to him time and time again.

His signature left hook, delivered with blinding speed, would render Gervonta Davis senseless in their super fight on Saturday and catapult him to another level of stardom. Garcia vowed that he was underestimated — partly a product of his model looks and massive social-media following — and would spring the upset.

The 24-year-old didn't deliver on his promise after Davis ended matters with a perfectly placed liver shot in Round 7. But Garcia didn't truly emerge a loser, either. He proved his toughness after he survived a second-round knockdown from a crushing overhand left, handled himself with grace in defeat, and set an example for other star fighters who avoid tough challenges with his relentless push to land this matchup in the first place.

Garcia (23-1, 19 KOs) walked toward the fire in a fight virtually every fan and observer picked him to lose and came through with the type of mega fight boxing desperately needed at a time when the sport has failed to consummate such matchups between top fighters in the same division.

«This is what boxing needs,» Garcia said. «This is why I did whatever I had to do to make the fight happen.»

Garcia conceded many deal points in his quest to take part in his first marquee bout, an event he and Davis (29-0, 27 KOs) both expertly promoted with plenty of pre-fight histrionics and ample trash talk. And they both handled themselves with grace afterward. Garcia made no excuses and credited Davis, 28, as the better man, while «Tank» wasn't boastful and showed Garcia respect.

They embraced following the news conference — and even took some photos