One of the most interesting factors that could play a part in this Tank Davis vs Ryan Garcia matchup is the fact that the fight was negotiated at a catchweight with a rehydration clause.
Ryan Garcia fought his last fight vs Javier Fortuna at 140 pounds. Ryan commented that he felt stronger and healthier at 140 pounds. Before that, Garcia fought Emmanuel Tagoe at a 139-pound catchweight. The last time Garcia fought at 135 was over two years ago when he faced Luke Campbell (a fight where he got dropped before ultimately winning via 7th round TKO).
Tank Davis fought Mario Barrios at 140 back in 2021 but has contended at 135 ever since.
When negotiating the fight, the Tank Davis team demanded that it take place at a catchweight of 136 with a 10-pound rehydration clause. To enforce the clause, the fighters are subject to a second weigh in, the day of the fight, and cannot weigh more than 146 at that weigh in.
Given that Tank Davis was negotiating out of a position of power (most considering him the A side), he was able to make some demands that would put him in a favorable position to win. At the same time, Ryan Garcia was coming from a position of being willing to do whatever it took to make the fight materialize, even if it meant handicapping himself. So he agreed to fight at a weight that is not his natural best.
So, what does that mean for Ryan Garcia? Typically, fighters who don’t fully rehydrate are weaker, have less punch resistance and are less sharp. This would give Tank a physical advantage over the larger Garcia. Also, once the weigh in takes place, the fighter is usually focused only on the fight and does not have a second weigh in looming. Garcia will still have to exercise discipline and maintain a weight under 146, which could be a mental disadvantage.
And what does it mean for Tank Davis? It means that the largely considered favorite in this fight has another advantage. It also means that if he wins, opposers will put an asterisk by this win.
Will the catchweight and rehydration play a part in the outcome of this fight? Tune in April 22 on DAZN PPV or Showtime PPV to find out.
