Gervonta Davis vs Ryan Garcia is now officially a done deal.
The super fight between the two young American boxing stars was announced on Thursday evening, though the finalised date is yet to be set and ‘Tank’ will first take another bout in January.
Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
It was already known that the pair had agreed financial terms for the PPV showdown, which will take place at a 136lbs catchweight.
However, the fact that they both compete on rival broadcast networks and with rival promoter/advisors looked certain to get in the way.
Gervonta is represented by Floyd Mayweather’s Mayweather Promotions and Al Haymon, with his fights broadcast on Showtime.
Garcia is promoted by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, with his fights broadcast on DAZN.
The parties have been at loggerheads for years, but have come together in a rare instance of common sense in boxing politics to get this fight over the line.
It’s reported that the promoters will work with one another to stage the fight, as will the broadcasters in a joint Showtime/DAZN PPV.
Tom Hogan – Hogan Photos/Golden Boy
Gervonta is set for a separate fight against an opponent to be confirmed on January 7.
After this, if all goes to plan, the clash with Garcia is reportedly targeted for April.
Gervonta tweeted: “I’ll be back in the ring Jan 7 stay tuned for more details!
“After that it’s me and Ryan signed sealed delivered…done deal!”
Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
Garcia tweeted: “I’m so pumped this fight is finally in place — I want it more than anything right now.
“I’ve put in the work, I’m at the prime of my career, and I know I’m going to be the biggest boxer in the world. That legacy starts today.
“Boxing NEEDS this fight right now.
“It’s time for us to get back to what made this sport so great for the fans: Glamorous fights in places like Las Vegas, grudge match storylines, and most importantly — the best fighting the best.”
Tom Hogan – Hogan Photos/Golden Boy
DAZN’s Joe Markowski added: “As we’ve always said, DAZN will look to broadcast the biggest fights in boxing.
“We’ve worked tirelessly with our friends at Golden Boy, Showtime and Team Davis on a deal structure that suits all parties for @Gervontaa x @RyanGarcia.
“Everyone at @DAZNBoxing is thrilled that an agreement in principle has been reached between the parties.
“That agreement is subject to contract, which are yet to be exchanged.”
Showtime’s Stephen Espinoza concluded: “Done deal. It’s on. All credit to Tank and Ryan. Lots of obstacles along the way, but they both stayed the course to give the fans the fight they want.”