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One can never predict how things play out. In April last year, Ryan Garcia faced a setback, succumbing to a seventh-round knockout at the hands of 29-year-old three-division champion Gervonta Davis. The defeat occurred at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with Davis sending Garcia to the canvas with a precisely-timed uppercut to the ribs. After the loss, Garcia is now slowly rebuilding his former clout, a part of which he won back when he defeated Oscar Duarte in December, last year. Now, he has revealed an interesting detail about his now famous match-up against Abdul Wahid aka Gervonta Davis.

During an interview on the PBD Podcast, Garcia openly admitted that he was aware of his impending defeat. The circumstances leading up to the fight were less than ideal: he wasn’t in top physical shape, and his punches lacked their usual precision. Adding to the tension, the two key figures initially set to accompany him to the ring withdrew at the last moment. What unfolded next?

Ryan Garcia reveals he knew he would lose even before he entered the ring

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Justin Bieber and Bad Bunny were initially set to accompany the boxer for his entrance, but both backed out. It made him question what was happening. However, while contemplating what he was going to do next, it occurred to him that this might be God’s plan. “God says cuz I want you to walk out with me and only me. I said, ‘What do you mean by that?’,” revealed Garcia.

Garcia, then, came across the song ‘Oceans’ by Hillsong while randomly scrolling through TikTok. This was his cue. “I know exactly. Okay. I’m coming out to that song. I made that decision within the fight week. That wasn’t something I pre-planned. I said ‘Okay God, I hear you’. I tell them to play what part and all that. I break it down and hit the numbers. They got it all on set and I say to myself, ‘God, I trust you’,” he said.

Within the lyrics of the song, Garcia found a revelation that made him realize that he would lose the match. “That’s what song’s about, ‘Trust you without borders’, you know, ‘Take me to deep waters and I’m going to trust you.’ I knew I was going to lose but it’s okay I’m going to trust you. I’m going to give you my all,” admitted Garcia.

Thus, Garcia knew that God was testing him by taking him to “deep waters” as he put it. In the series of things that went wrong and led to his first professional defeat, Garcia has since learned an important lesson.

What has Garcia vowed never to repeat again?

Garcia proceeded to voice his frustration with the strategies employed by Davis’ team, asserting that he felt deceived. He emphasized, “I will never let nobody play me like that in negotiations ever again.” Referencing the rehydration clause in his contract, its impact on his performance was not the most desirable one. The defeat, his first as a professional, raised doubts about his toughness, but Garcia remains determined to secure a rematch with Davis.

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Now, since his loss, he aims to be more strategic in negotiations, ensuring no rehydration clause interferes in the future, emphasizing his commitment to overcoming detractors and earning redemption in the ring.

Garcia entered the fight fully aware that he might face defeat, yet he pushed himself to his limits. However, he is now the wiser and better for it. According to him, the loss humbled him and brought him closer to God.

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Do you believe he could have clinched a victory if the rehydration clause was not in effect? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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