.png)
Negotiations for the highly anticipated Gervonta "Tank" Davis vs. Ryan Garcia fight on April 15th have hit a roadblock over the rematch clause. The fight is in jeopardy unless one of the sides gives in. The issue is with the one-sided rematch clause, which can only be activated by Tank Davis if he loses to Ryan Garcia. PBC and Showtime, Tank's current lead promoters, want to continue to be the lead promoter for the rematch, even if Tank loses.
However, Ryan's promoters at Golden Boy and network, DAZN, feel it's only fair for them to be the lead promoter in the event of a rematch, given that Ryan would be the winner.
According to ESPN's Mike Coppinger, the disagreement over the rematch clause has yet to be resolved, causing the deal for the April 15th fight to be unfinished. If Ryan wins and the rematch clause is activated, Golden Boy and DAZN want to be the lead promoter and PPV producer/distributor, while PBC and Showtime want to maintain the same promoter and network for a potential rematch.
Many on social media are siding with Ryan and believe that if he beats Tank, then his promoters at Golden Boy and network, DAZN, should be in charge of the rematch. If Tank, PBC, and Showtime do not agree to what Ryan wants, he can walk away and be the A-side against anyone at 135 or 140. However, if Ryan just wants to cash out, then he should consider giving in to Tank's side and their desires for the lead promoter and network for the rematch.
In reality, Tank is likely to win the April 15th fight, making the issue of the rematch clause inconsequential. Ryan has not yet proven himself against top-level competition, making this fight essentially a cash-out for him. Therefore, he should consider giving in to what Tank's side wants. Tank has a trial on February 16th in Baltimore, and it is unclear whether he will be taken to jail immediately if found guilty or if the verdict can be delayed.
Overall, the issue of the rematch clause is an easily solvable one, but it depends on how badly the two sides want this fight. If Ryan Garcia wants to make big money, he should give in to what Tank Davis' side wants.