“They Don’t Do Them Numbers…”: Despite Their $22.8 Million Success, Andre Ward Gives Stern Reality Check to Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis

Gervonta Davis versus Ryan Garcia emerged as a significant clash last year, sparking tremendous fan excitement. The fight was an immense success, with the gate reaching over $22.8 million. Initially perceived as a 50-50 showdown by many experts, the fight took an unexpected turn, adding to the drama. However, a pivotal concern for Garcia was the rehydration clause proposed by Tank’s team, posing potential challenges for ‘King Ry’.

Despite predictions favoring Davis on betting cards, the fight’s conclusion, with Garcia succumbing to a seventh-round liver punch, left many fans taken aback. Many believe that the reason for Garcia’s fall was the rehydration clause. Here’s what the former champion Andre Ward had to say about the clause.

Andre Ward shares wisdom about strategic moves in boxing

Recently, Andre Ward made an appearance on ALL THE SMOKE, where he discussed the implications of moving down in weight. This led him to talk about Garcia’s match against Gervonta Davis. Ward emphasized the significance of strategic decisions, stating, “If I’m Ryan, I’m not taking that clause.” Acknowledging the clause in Tank’s defense, he pointed out, “You can’t knock him for taking that clause ’cause you didn’t have to take it’.”

The former champion delved into the business dynamics, asserting that both fighters contributed to the sport’s success. “They don’t do them numbers if they don’t have each other,” Ward remarked, highlighting their mutual influence on the sport.

While discussing negotiation tactics, Ward suggested leveraging social media for transparency. “Ryan should have said- ‘Look bro, we not doing that’. That’s when you use your social media if they doing that in negotiations- ‘Look bro I want to make the fight but that’s what he trying to do. He tryna weaken me’,” he advised, emphasizing the importance of communication and strategic use of platforms.

But what if there were no rehydration clause? Would Ryan Garcia have won that fight? Andre Ward gave his two cents on that as well.

Ward ponders if Ryan Garcia could defeat Davis without the clause

Echoing the sentiment of Ward, former NBA player Matt Barnes acknowledged the power of social media in amplifying a boxer’s influence, noting that Garcia possesses the following to “move the needle.” Ward agreed with Barnes’ statement as he stated, “That’s my point.” He pointed out how Garcia, being adamant about making the fight, ended up hurting himself.

Ward claimed, “So him being just overly eager and trying to be too zealous to make the fight, he took a clause and it probably hurt him.” Though he thinks that even without the clause the result wouldn’t have been different. He added, “But I think it would have been the same result without it. You know I like Ryan, but Tank is a bad boy. And they talk about the power and all of that, but Tank knows how to set that power up. Very skillful, underrated skills.”

Read More: Months After Record-Breaking $22.8 Million Gate, Gervonta Davis Details What Surprised Him After He “Punched” Ryan Garcia

Overall, the conversation pointed out the importance of strategy outside the ring that a fighter has to account for in order to not be at an unfair disadvantage. What do you think about Andre Ward’s opinion? Do share your thoughts in the comments below.

Watch This Story: All About Ryan Garcia vs. Gervonta Davis