Gervonta Davis is moving up from 130 pounds to 140 to face unbeaten Mario Barrios in a pay-per-view fight Saturday at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
“Tank” is perceived as the better fighter but Barrios (26-0, 17 KOs) has a distinct size advantage, which some believe could be an equalizer.
And although Davis (24-0, 23 KOs) has been a huge puncher at lower weights, no one knows whether he’ll be able to carry his power to the higher division or take shots from a bigger, stronger man.
Bottom line: It’s a fascinating matchup, one that raises a number of questions. Here are five:
WILL DAVIS CARRY HIS POWER TO 140 POUNDS?
That’s the key question going into the fight. The answer? I think so. Davis will be fighting a legitimate 140-pounder for the first time, which could be a challenge for him. We’ve seen many fighters – some of them outstanding — plateau as they move up in weight. I’ll just tell you what I believe: Davis is a born puncher with a special delivery system, which he has demonstrated fight after fight. The uppercut that ended Leo Santa Cruz’s night in October might’ve stopped the average middleweight. Cynics might point out that it took him 12 rounds to stop 38-year-old Yuriorkis Gamboa at 135 pounds in 2019 and ask, “How is he supposed to hurt a prime Mario Barrios at 140? Well, I wouldn’t read too much into the fight against Gamboa, who was in survival mode from beginning to end. Davis can crack. And I’m pretty sure that won’t change at junior welterweight.
WILL DAVIS BE ABLE TO HANDLE BARRIOS’ POWER?
That’s a tougher question. I don’t remember ever seeing Davis hurt, which suggests to me that he has been durable at 135 and below. However, he’s now facing a bigger man now. And Barrios is no ordinary junior welterweight when it comes to power. He has stopped nine of his last 10 opponents, meaning he has actually knocked out foes at higher rate as he has stepped up his opposition. He can punch. The natural question here is: Will Barrios be able to land the kind of shots or shots that might buzz Davis? That could be the key to his success. If he’s able to land hard, damaging blows, that could throw Davis off his game and make this a closer fight than most people believe it will be.
WHO’S THE BETTER BOXER?
Davis. Barrios’ ability shouldn’t be underestimated. He had a long, productive amateur career that gave him a solid technical foundation. And he’s now working with renowned guru Virgil Hunter, who has put polish on an already-glossy product. Barrios is a very good boxer. His problem? Davis is a special boxer, the type that doesn’t come around often. He has natural gifts, speed, athleticism, that power. He also had a successful amateur career, reportedly finishing 205-15. And, under the expert guidance of trainer Calvin Ford, he has evolved into a formidable technician. That ability has allowed him to land the well-timed, precise punches that have stopped all but one of his opponents.
WHAT DOES A VICTORY DO FOR BOTH MEN?
If Davis wins, he will have defeated notable opponents at three different weight classes consecutively. Who does that? It’s way too early to compare him to the likes of Henry Armstrong, who held championships in three divisions simultaneously. At the same time, Davis’ accomplishment will have an old-school feel that will be appealing to many fans. This is a bold move for Davis even if you don’t see Barrios as a legitimate threat. A victory surely will add to his already-massive following. Barrios? Size advantage or no size advantage, he will instantaneously become a major player if he can pull this one off. That would mean fame, fortune and the thing about which all fighters dream: a shot at a legitimate world title.
WILL THE FIGHT BE COMPETITIVE?
Probably not. Davis is a level above Barrios pound-for-pound. He’s a better boxer with more experience in big fights. And although we don’t know whether he’ll bring his power up to 140, he has been one of the most-devastating punchers in the sport at lower weights. Again, Barrios is good; Davis is special. Barrios’ not-so-secret weapon could be his size advantage, which also includes height and reach. If he can exploit his advantages – and keep Davis honest with his punching power – he’ll have a chance. That’s a big “if,” though. I learned a long time ago that you should pick the more-talented guy to win unless he’s in an unusually difficult situation. This isn’t one of those. Davis will win by late knockout.
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