Gervonta "Tank" Davis Hector Luis Garcia At The Capital One Arena In The Nations Capital

(Photos by Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME)

In the main-event in front of a crowd of 19,731 on Saturday night, January 7, Baltimore, MD's Gervonta "Tank" Davis defended his WBA Lightweight Title on SHOWTIME PPV from the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.. Gervonta Davis won by TKO over Hector Luis Garcia of San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic. Davis and Garcia were pretty much even throughout the first seven rounds of this championship contest. They were exchanging punches with counter shot after counter shot. It was the eighth-round when things changed in Davis favor. Davis started landing some hard shots to the face of Garcia. Garcia was hurt as time was running out in the eighth. Garcia made it back to his corner, but complained that he couldn't see so his trainer waived the contest off at 15 seconds into the ninth-round. Davis remains undefeated at (28-0,26 KO's) while Hector Garcia gets his first defeat and now is (16-1, 10KO's).

Quotes

Gervonta Davis:

 “A little surprised (he didn’t come out). But I knew he was hurt bad but he’s a fighter and he didn’t want to show it. I knew he was hurt though.

 “I feel as though – I have stuff to work on. Everything. I’m a fighter and I’m not retired so I’m always willing to learn.

 “I wasn’t throwing a lot of shots (in the beginning) because I was trying to beat him mentally. I was trying to trick him with my hands and my eyes and things like that because he’s a tough fighter. I had to bait him.

“His southpaw style bothered me a little bit because I don’t fight a lot of southpaws but it’s okay; it’s a part of the game.

 “God willing I’m ready for the fight (with Ryan Garcia). It’s scheduled for April. I’m here. He’s been training. He’s been talking. And let’s see who’s really about that.

 “On my end I’m ready. I’ll be in the gym Monday. Well, not Monday. I’ll probably take a week off but I’ll be back for sure soon.

 “I have to bring my people in close and listen to my close ones, listen to Al Haymon and just stay focused. There’s a lot of bumps in the road but if we stay focused together – that’s how I’ll (maintain) longevity in the sport.”

 Hector Luis Garcia:

 “When I got the shot to my head in the final round, that’s when I couldn’t see from my eye. I didn’t know where I was when he hit me with that shot. My vision is back but my head still hurts. I couldn’t see from my right eye. It was going well up until that point. I was picking my shots.”

Davis vs. Garcia Pay-Per-View Featured Undercard Results

(Photos by Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME)

Jaron Ennis of Philadelphia, PA became the interim IBF welterweight champion by getting a unanimous decision victory over Karen Chukhadzhian of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Ennis spent a little longer than usual in this fight to figure his opponent, Chukhadzhian out. Chukhadzhian did a lot of moving as Ennis used his jab while cutting off the ring. The jab landed but wasn't effective enough to slow Chukhadzhian down before the early rounds ended. Going into the ninth-round Ellis started to gain some distance by sliding in closer after landing his jab. Ennis started to break Chukhadzhian down more in the tenth-round to slow him down. Ennis completed the final two rounds by landing the cleaner shots, but couldn't land the knockout punch that he was looking for. All three judges scored the contest 120-108. Jaron Ennis improves to (30-0, 27KO's) as Karen Chukhadzhian takes his second defeat at (21-2, 11KO's). 

Quotes

Jaron Ennis:

"We come here to dominate. I feel like I could have thrown more punches. I should stop that guy and that's on me. I wanted him to engage but we did what we could. 

“I learned to just take my time and to not rush anything. I’m glad I went 12 rounds. It felt great. I felt I was in the best shape. I just needed to throw a little more punches. I should have got him out of there.

 “He ran a lot. Hats off to him since a lot of guys didn’t want to fight me. So shout out to him for coming here and taking this fight.

“Everyone knows that I want Errol Spence and the winner of Virgil Ortiz and (Eimantas) Stanionis. You know – all the top guys. Let’s get it, you know?

“I’ll wait until the time is right and (Spence) is ready.”

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In a 12-round IBF welterweight eliminator bout Roiman Villa of Rosario, Venezuela defeated Rashidi Ellis of Lynn, Massachusetts by 12-round majority decision. This was an competitively matched action packed eliminator bout. Ellis looked to get off to a good start in the early part of the bout. He used his speed to land some good jabs. Villa did not go anywhere throughout Ellis's offensive output. The two fighters went toe to toe many times going into the late rounds. Things started to change for the worse for Ellis as Villa upped his game in the final round by sending Ellis to the canvas twice. The first with a hard left hook, and the second was with a two punch combination that sent Ellis down against the ropes. One judge scored the contest 113-113 while the other two judges saw it for Villa at 114-112. Villa maintains an impressive record of (26-1, 24KO's) while Ellis suffers his first defeat and becomes (24-1, 15KO's).

Quotes

Roiman Villa:

“First of all, thank God for this victory. Second of all, he was a tough fighter. He moved a lot. He does hit hard. The first couple rounds I was a little tight but then I got loose.

 “I was on top of him from the first round. I know that fighters such as him who are quick sooner or later will get a little tired and that’s what I took advantage of.

 “My corner told me to knock him down (in the 12th round). I couldn’t do it on the first try but I kept going.

 “I thought he just fell on the last knockdown so I wasn’t sure (if it was a knockdown) . But if they want the rematch we’ll give them the rematch.

 “I like the Mexican fighters with balls and I like the way he fights so I would definitely give him the rematch.

 “I told him after the fight to smile and he had nothing to say.

 “I didn’t really feel like I needed the knockout in that last round, I just wanted to dominate.

 “Ellis is a good fighter, but this was mostly about what I was able to do. All credit to God for allowing me to come out with my arm raised up high.

 “I’m not thinking about the future right now, just soaking in the moment.”

 

Rashidi Ellis:

 “I want the rematch right away. I’m fine (physically).

 “I thought I was dictating the fight. I don’t know. I don’t know what happened.

 “I totally disagree with the decision. I was winning most of the rounds. Yeah, he had the knockdown but other than that I was winning most of the rounds.”

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To open up the Premier Boxing Champions card inside the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, Demetrius "Boo Boo" Andrade of Providence, Rhode Island won by ten-round unanimous decision over Demond D'BestAtIt" Nicholson of Laurel, Maryland. Andrade was the more active fighter throughout the contest. He landed a right hook that sent Nicholson to the canvas for a eight count. The knockdown didn't cause any damage but it put Andrade ahead on the scorecards early. During the second round the two fighters got tangled up and it appeared that Nicholson hurt his right shoulder. As the rounds continued Nicholson landed a clean body shot on Andrade that seemed to be a knockdown, but it was scored as so. In the later rounds both fighters exchanged punches with Andrade scoring the cleaner shots and another knockdown in the final round. All three judges scored the contest 100-88. Andrade has a successful super middleweight debut and improves his record to (32-0, 19KO's) as Demond Nicholson record drops to (26-5-1, 22KO's).

Quotes

Demetrius Andrade:

 “I felt good, I can definitely tell the weight difference but the speed and combinations and the IQ was the plan today and that’s what we did. The weight (was different).”

 Charlos, Benavidez vs. Plant winner?

“The only way I can say I’m the best is by fighting the best. Everyone knows that Demond Nicholson is a dog. That’s why we took this fight. He took this fight because he knew I was coming up and he definitely has the animal in him. He showed it today and we’re just boxing – IQ.”

 On the 10th round knockdown:

“That was definitely clean. Nice left. Definitely a knockdown. That left hand. Boom. It was great to be here. I want to thank SHOWTIME for the opportunity and PBC and everyone that came out today. It’s me again baby!

"I thought I would be able to get him out of there in the deep waters, but he's a tough guy. I think we both cut each other early in the fight, but at the end of the day we do what we have to do. 

 "I threw some nice combinations and some nice hard shots, but he came in shape. People get up to fight me. 

Results From The Undercard Bouts On The Gervonta Davis vs. Hector Luis Garcia Card

(Photos by Daniel Cork)

It was an action packed undercard inside of the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. The Premier Boxing Champions event promoted by TGB Promotions presented eight bouts to open up for the main televised pay-per-view card that featured Gervonta Davis vs. Hector Luis Garcia on Showtime.

Vito Mielnicki Jr. of Roseland, NJ defeated Omar Rosales of Houston, TX by TKO. Power was the deciding factor in this super welterweight contest. Mielnicki used the first three rounds to set up his power shots. At the ten second mark of round three Mielnicki landed a hard right hand that sent Rosales to a knee. He received the eight count at the sound of the bell. At the beginning of round four Mielnicki didn't give Rosales a chance. Mielnicki came right at Rosales with more hard combinations. Referee David Braslow had no choice but to stop the contest at 26 seconds of round four. Mielnicki improves to (14-2,9KO's) as Rosales falls to (9-2-1

Brandun Lee of LaQuinta, CA defeated Diego Gonzalo Luque of Cordoba, Argentina by TKO at 2:55 of round four in a scheduled eight-round super lightweight contest. Lee clearly looked to be the more skilled fighter as he used his jab to set up body shots and quick combinations. It was the jab that kept Luque off balance. Lee continued to pressure Luque causing him to cover up from the hard punches he was receiving. Referee Brent Bovell saw that Luque couldn't return any punches to defend himself so he stopped the contest. Lee remains undefeated at (27-0, 23 KO's) while Luque falls to (21-11-2, 10 KO's).

Travon "Sniper" Marshall of Capitol Heights, MD defeated Shawn West of Davenport, Iowa by first-round TKO. Marshall jumped on West from the sound of the opening bell by using his jab to get in close. Marshall landed a combination of body and head shots to move West against the ropes where he was defenseless. Referee David Braslow jumped in to stop the contest at 48 seconds of the first-round. Marshalls' record remains perfect at (7-0, 5KO's) while West gets his third loss and now is (7-3-1, 4KO's).

In a six-round welterweight contest Keeshawn Williams of Lanham, MD won by unanimous decision over Gustavo David Vittori of Concordia, Argentina.  Williams dominated every round and came close to getting a stoppage when he landed hard combination to cause Vittori to grab and hold to himself up. All three judges were in agreement and scored the contest the same, 60-54. Williams improves to (11-1-1, 2KO's) as Vittori falls to (26-12-1, 12KO's).

After nearly four years retired former world champion Lamont Peterson of Upper Marlboro, Maryland decided to return to the ring with no success. Michael Ogundo of Quincy, Massachusetts defeated Peterson by TKO at 2:05 of round four. Ogundo sent Peterson down to the canvas late in the round three. Peterson finished the round, but Ogundo kept up the pressure to cause Peterson to stagger around. Referee Brent Bovell stepped in to waive the bout off. Ogundo improves to (17-16, 13KO's) as Peterson record is now (35-6-1, 17KO's).

In an eight-round super middleweight contest Kyrone Davis of Wilmington, DE defeated Cristian Fabian Rios of Buenos Aires, Argentina by unanimous decision with the scores of 79-73 and 80-72 twice. Davis record is now (17-3-1, 6KO's) while Rios fall to (23-16-3, 7KO's).

Jalil Hackett of Washington, DC defeated Joel Guevara of Charleston, West Virginia by first-round TKO at 1:11 of their scheled four-round contest. Hackett improves his record to (5-0, 4KO's) while Joel Guevara falls to (4-9-1, 3KO's).

In the opening bout of the night Mia Ellis of Baltimore, MD made quick work of Karen Dulin of Newport, Rhode Island by stopping her in the first-round of their scheduled four-round lightweight contest.

Weigh-In Results From Gervonta Davis vs. Héctor Luis García In Washington D.C.

In preparation for their showdown inside the ring, five-time world champion Gervonta Davis is scheduled to defend his WBA Lightweight Title against unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García on SHOWTIME PPV Saturday, January 7 from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

 

Gervonta Davis 13134 lbs. vs Hector Luis Garcia 134 lbs.

 

Jaron Ennis 145.6 lbs. vs Karen Chukhadzhian 146.2 lbs.

 

Rashidi Ellis 146.2 lbs. vs. Roiman Villa 145.8 lbs.

Demetrius Andrade 167 lbs. vs. Demond Nicholson 167.2 lbs

 

Vito Mielnicki Jr. 153.2 lbs. vs Omar Rosales 152.8 lbs.

 

Brandun Lee 141.4 lbs. vs Diego Gonzalo Luque 141.2 lbs.

 

Travon Marshall 149.8 lbs. vs Shawn West 151.2 lbs.

 

Keeshawn Williams 146 lbs. vs Gustavo David Vittori 145.6 lbs.

 

Lamont Peterson 141.6 lbs. vs Michael Ogundo 140.2 lbs. 

     

      Kyrone Davis 163.8 lbs. vs Cristian Fabian Rios 164.4 lbs.

 

Jalil Major Hackett 156.2 lbs. vs Joel Guevara 155.8 lbs.

 

 

       Mia Ellis 128.2 lbs. vs Karen Dulin 129.8 lbs.

                        

Final Press Conference Quotes From Washington, D.C., Gervonta Davis vs Héctor Luis Garcia

(Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME)

In preparation for their January 7 showdown at the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C, Gervonta “Tank” Davis and unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García went face to face Thursday and exchanged shoves before cooler heads prevailed at the final press conference

before they meet for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Title headlining the SHOWTIME PPV event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The press conference also featured face offs between pay-per-view undercard fighters who step into the ring on the telecast beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. In the co-main event, unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis duels IBF No. 4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian for the vacant Interim IBF Welterweight Title, while undefeated top welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis takes on the hard-hitting Roiman Villa in a 12-round IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator. Kicking off the pay-per-view, two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade battles Demond Nicholson in a 10-round super middleweight attraction.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.:

GERVONTA DAVIS

 

“We trained hard. He’s been saying some things that have turned me up. You definitely don’t want to miss this one. We’re going to make sure this is a tough fight for him. Don’t get no popcorn during this fight. Keep your butt glued to the seat. I promise you it’s gonna be fireworks.

 

“This is my job. I’ve been doing it since I was seven. I know that a lot comes with it, but if I stop now, then I wouldn’t have done what I came to do.

 

“D.C. has always been exciting when it comes to boxing. There’s a lot of talent here that people sleep on. It’s a boxing town and I’m excited to come back and be fighting here. We used to have to get through D.C. to get to the national level in the amateurs, so I always treated this place like a second home.

 

“Garcia earned his spot in this fight for what he’s done this past year. He’s been in good fights and beaten good fighters. He’s not someone to sleep on. He’s a tough opponent and this is going to prepare me for a Ryan Garcia fight next.

 

“I just want to put on a great performance in front of a nice crowd and show everyone that I’m one of the top guys.

 

“There’s been a lot of talk from other fighters in the division. I’m putting them on notice with this fight and the Ryan fight. I can’t get to Ryan unless I get past Héctor. I’m showing everyone that I’m one of the elite guys.

 

“The last thing I want to say to Héctor is just, be ready. I’ve had a great camp and I know that Héctor’s coming. Just don’t make a lot of mistakes, because if you make too many, it might be an early night.

 

“This is a stacked card. Saturday night, boxing wins. From the first fight to my fight, you don’t wanna miss it.”

 

HÉCTOR LUIS GARCIA

 

“My camp could not have been better. My team is tireless, and we work so hard. Everyone is going to see the results on Saturday night.

 

“I feel equally comfortable at 130 and 135 pounds. I took this challenge because I always want to surpass my own limits and go after the very best. At the end of the day, it’s up to me to be at my best on Saturday night.

 

“The bottom line for me is that I can fight at whatever distance the fight requires me to. I can use my reach or my power. I’m going to be ready.

 

“I think the back and forth we’ve had is normal and in good fun. It brings more heat to the fight and it probably motivates us both more.

 

“Gervonta better watch out on Saturday night. Because he lit the competitive fire under me when he put his hands on me during the face off. 

 

“The real Garcia is right here. I don’t care who he’s focused on, because I know that I’m the true challenge. Fans are going to see a thrilling fight. It’s going to be a show that everyone is gonna enjoy.”

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JARON ENNIS

 

“This win can put me right in line for Errol Spence Jr. This is a perfect time to make a big statement and I can’t wait.

 

“I’m looking to make a statement to the whole world. I’m just focused on putting on a show, getting an explosive knockout and then seeing what’s next.

 

“I’m on my ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson. I don’t go in there looking for the knockout, but if I see that opening, I’m definitely taking it. I’m not afraid to get him out early. Everyone knows I’m in and out like a robbery.

 

“I’m putting my own twist on Tyson. I picked up a few things from watching Tyson, so this is gonna be a fun night. I’m going to be explosive with it.

 

“My message to the world is just continue to watch me grow and progress and make sure you don’t miss this knockout on Saturday night. Philly is definitely gonna be in the building.”

 

KAREN CHUKHADZHIAN

 

“Jaron is a very strong fighter, but we’ve trained very well ourselves. I’ve worked with a lot of different fighters in sparring and we have a good strategy. I’m here to fight and win.

 

“This is my chance to prove myself to the U.S. public. Everyone knows the biggest fights are here in the U.S. and I plan to be back again.

 

“I’ve wanted an opportunity like this and I’m very motivated finally being here in the U.S. I’m coming to win for everybody rooting me on in Ukraine.

 

“I can’t get caught up with worrying too much about Ennis and what he can do. I have great abilities and I trained hard with only one goal in mind. That’s winning on Saturday night.”

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RASHIDI ELLIS

“I’m coming to take over the 147-pound division and show I’m the big dog in this division. We’re always ready and Saturday is no different.

 

“We’re going to see who’s top dog. Villa is in here talking crazy, so I’m going to have to beat him down for it.

 

“Everybody knows what I want to do. I want the smoke. Give me the best fighter available and I’m gonna get into that ring.

 

“This is a great stage for me to display my talents. I know that I’m the future of this division, I just need the opponents in front of me that will let me show the whole world.

 

“You could definitely say that is the biggest fight of my career, but at the end of the day, I’m treating this like another shift at the office. I’m coming to work.

 

“This is gonna be a great fight. He’s a strong, tough guy who’s gonna come forward and try to hit me with a lucky punch. If he wants to fight differently against me, then I’ll be ready for that too.”

 

ROIMAN VILLA

 

“Talk is cheap. Whatever he wants to say, he’s entitled to it. But I’m all about coming here to do my job and give the fans the show that they want to see. You’ll see the action in the ring on Saturday night.

 

“I’m no fortune teller. I’m just going to control what I can control and let it be what it may be. I’m 100% ready for this fight.

 

“I’m confident in my training. I’m much more prepared this time than I was for last victory, so my belief is sky high. If Ellis is underestimating me, he’s going to be in trouble.

 

“I come here to represent not just my country, but the whole Latin community. We’re here to make them proud and that’s what we’re going to do on Saturday night.

 

“I studied in school, I’m not here to study anybody. I’m going to come after him and be aggressive. No matter what happens, I’m going to be myself.

 

“I want to stay humble, but I want to see if that smile that he’s got on his face right now will remain after Saturday night.”

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DEMETRIUS ANDRADE

 

“I’m just bringing even more talent to a stacked division. We’re here to give the people what they’ve been looking for, including all of the big fights.

 

“The message I’m sending is that the best fighters need to fight each other. There’s nothing standing in the way anymore. It’s time for us to get in the ring and make it happen.

 

“Everyone says they’re coming to make a splash, but I prove it every single time when I step into the ring. I’m going to do what I always do and that’s win.

 

“I hope he brings the pressure. I’m ready for whatever. If he says this fight isn’t going the distance, then I guess he’s going down.”

 

DEMOND NICHOLSON

 

“My goal is to dominate and win whatever way possible. I’m shooting for the moon. It’s my time now.

 

“I can’t be humble right now. There’s no time for humbleness. Everyone is saying I’m a tune-up, but this is the first fight I’ve been 100% healthy for.

 

“Everyone is going to see my skills. On January 7, my new life and my career starts. I’m not worried about his talking, I let my hands talk for me.

 

“He hasn’t fought me yet, so he can forget about Jermall Charlo. He’s doing this thing where he’s talking about facing other fighters, but he has to beat me first. I’ve got a built up frustration about it. You’re never supposed to look past the next man.

 

“I have to apply the pressure. Pressure bursts pipes. This fight is not going the distance.”

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STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.:

 

“Gervonta Davis vs. Héctor Luis Garcia is the first big boxing event of 2023 and the first of many high stakes quality matchups we’re putting together on SHOWTIME. Davis is taking a huge risk against a fighter like [Héctor Luis] Garcia. He’s one of the hottest fighters in boxing and a candidate for 2022 Fighter of the Year.

 

“This will be ‘Tank’s’ 13th time on SHOWTIME and fifth time on pay-per-view, and by now we know what to expect. Every time ‘Tank’ fights, he is must-see TV. He has sold out arenas in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Baltimore and Brooklyn. His last fight in May was the most attended combat sports event at Barclays Center. If you look across boxing for fighters with these kind of attendance numbers, you can count them on one hand.

 

“From established veterans to some of the best young fighters in the sport, this is a fantastic card from top to bottom. Make sure you get there early, and we’ll see you there.”

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Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com. The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.