“I’m Not Ryan Garcia”: Keith Thurman Cautions Gervonta Davis of the “Challenge” if They Ever Fight

Keith Thurman isn’t Ryan Garcia. But why does he stress this? Garcia, once undefeated, met his match in Gervonta Davis during their historic April 2023 bout. A brutal body shot in the seventh round sealed Garcia’s fate, marking his first professional loss in a dramatic fashion. It wasn’t just a loss; it was a pivotal moment where Ryan faced a significant setback in his rising career.

Thurman, observing from afar, with a seasoned record of 30-1, draws a distinct line between himself and Garcia. Is it confidence or a subtle taunt? Thurman sees something in Garcia’s downfall that he confidently knows doesn’t apply to him. What could it be?

Keith Thurman believes Ryan Garcia had immaturity going into the Tank fight

In the heart of a revealing interview with ESNews, Keith Thurman sheds light on his perspective, offering a critical view of Ryan Garcia’s defeat at the hands of Gervonta Davis. Thurman suggests, “It was evident that Ryan Garcia had immaturity going into that fight, okay? We know this in boxing, that even with talent, you should groom him, right? He had skills, but he was not well-groomed, and it was evident in the performance.”

Furthermore, Thurman distinguishes himself from Garcia, stating, “Keith Thurman is solid, solidified, well-groomed, and that’s why I said I’m not a Ryan Garcia. No disrespect to Ryan Garcia.” This declaration not only highlights Thurman’s confidence in his own preparation and mental fortitude but also sets the stage for the interviewer’s next question, which directly addresses the potential of a fight between Thurman and Davis.

Responding to whether he could beat Tank Davis, Thurman confidently replies, “Oh, I mean, it’s the Thurman test. If you can beat me, beat me. But boy, is it going to be a challenge.” Through this conversation, Thurman articulates a clear message: he is a different breed of fighter, one who is not only aware of his own capabilities but also keenly observant of the nuances that separate the champions from the contenders.

Ryan and Davis’ fans might think that Keith Thurman is just yapping here, but they aren’t the only ones. Tim Tszyu, who is set to fight Thurman on March 30 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, also thinks that Thurman talks a bit too much.

Tim Tszyu believes Thurman is all bark and no bite

Tim Tszyu didn’t hold back when responding to Keith Thurman’s comments about him, questioning the logic behind his statements. “I’m not sure what he’s implying there. Maybe he thinks I’m easy to hit?” Tszyu retorted. Tszyu further dissected Thurman’s character, stating, “The guy doesn’t think before he speaks. He’s just a little yapper.”

He drew parallels between Thurman’s pre-fight antics with Manny Pacquiao and his current behavior. “And I’ve always found the bigger the dog, the less they bark. But Chihuahuas, they’re [going to] yap. It’s all for show,” Tszyu added, painting Thurman as more bark than bite in the buildup to their potential showdown.

Watch this story: Five Fascinating Facts About Keith Thurman

When words turn into punches, who will have the last word? Will Thurman’s experience and self-assuredness prevail, or will Tszyu’s determination and critique of Thurman’s approach prove to be the winning formula?

Also Read: Claressa Shields Teases Keith Thurman Fight Again, Picks Tim Tszyu to ‘Knock’ Him Out