Gervonta Davis punches Ryan Garcia throughout a catchweight boxing bout at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Las Vegas. Gervonta Davis celebrates after winning his catchweight boxing bout versus Ryan Garcia at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Las Vegas. Ryan Garcia is comforted by his mother Lisa Marie Garcia after losing a catchweight boxing bout to Gervonta Davis at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Las Vegas.
The most significant winner Saturday wasn't Gervonta "Tank" Davis, who isn't just the beneficiary apparent to Canelo Alvarez as boxing's biggest super star - - but one of its best pound-for-pound fighters. The biggest winner was the sport itself.

Thank you, Tank.

Thank you, "King" Ryan Garcia.

Their 136-pound catchweight megafight at T-Mobile Arena is what boxing is supposed to be everything about: Two of its finest consenting to fight in their primes, running the risk of unbeaten records and the cachet they carry. The 2 broke down the barriers that typically bar megafights, working together on Showtime pay-per-view via Premier Boxing Champions - - and during a perky, vibrant eight-week promotion.

The result was impressive: A seventh-round knockout by Davis, whose one-punch power frequently belies his luster as a boxer, in one of the biggest events to land in Las Vegas, where 20,842 gathered to view the 2 warriors while millions more likely enjoyed around the globe.

" They are what's excellent for boxing … … They laid all of it on the line," PBC host Ray Flores stated as Davis and Garcia presented together for photos in the ring they shared.

" So much appreciation for both Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis, for what they provided for boxing and for fans all over the world."

Superstar status

Davis (29-0, 27 knockouts) said he isn't sure who he'll combat next and that he prepares to rest after 2 fights in 4 months. He's due in a Baltimore court May 5 to face sentencing for a 2020 hit-and-run, pleading guilty to 4 charges in connection to the case.

When he goes back to the ring, he'll decide against whom - - having the super star drawing power that allows his team to dictate its terms.

" We'll see what the best decision is," said Davis, 28. "Can't really say today because I simply fought. I'm going to attempt to rest."

The other elite fighters in the light-weight division are Shakur Stevenson, Devin Haney and Vasiliy Lomachenko.

Stevenson, a 25-year-old two-weight world champ, controlled Shuichiro Yoshino this month in his 135-pound launching. Haney, a 24-year-old Las Vegan, is the weight class' undeniable champion. He protects his title May 20 at the MGM Grand Garden against the 35-year-old Lomachenko, two times an Olympic gold medalist and previously a three-weight world champion.

Davis has actually fought at 140 pounds, beating Mario Barrios in 2021. Champions in the division include Josh Taylor (WBO), Subriel Matisse (IBF) and Regis Prograis (WBC). Taylor protects his title in June versus previous unified lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez.

" Hopefully we'll create a game plan in the next couple months and head on once again," said Davis, deservedly indulging in his biggest triumph.

Back to the fundamentals

Garcia (23-1, 19 KOs) announced his strategy to pursue a title in the 140-pound department, in which his last battle prior to the one versus Davis was objected to versus Javier Fortuna.

Initially he'll require more spices, having struggled Saturday on the sport's most significant stage.

He acknowledged his lack of experience, to which he associated his ill-advised attack in the 2nd round that preceded the very first knockdown Davis scored. He also stands to hone his skills, sporting little Saturday beyond the signature left hook that Davis was clearly anticipating.

" This battle's not going to deter me too much, my dreams," Garcia said. "I acted with among the best. I combated. I did what I had to do to get in the ring."

‘‘ Fun while it lasted'

For that alone, Garcia is worthy of to be celebrated. His super star burns brighter than it did previously, however not as brilliant as Davis' does now. Somebody had to lose for boxing to win - - something he and Davis understood when they settled the battle.

" We were going off each other's energy there, I'll state," Davis said. "We were really talking. It was fun while it lasted. I enjoyed every moment of it."

Conserve for Garcia, who didn't?

Contact Sam Gordon at sgordon@reviewjournal.com. Follow @BySamGordon on Twitter.

Sam Gordon's pound-for-pound rankings

1. Naoya Inoue

2. Oleksandr Usyk

3. Terence Crawford

4. Canelo Alvarez

5. Errol Spence Jr.

6. Dmitry Bivol

7. Shakur Stevenson

8. Gervonta Davis

9. Tyson Fury

10. Jermell Charlo