Boxing Update: Gervonta Set for Another Bout, Garcia Secures First Title, and Additional News

Gervonta “Tank” Davis continues to be recognized as one of the top pound-for-pound boxers globally, yet his ongoing legal issues outside the ring have cast a shadow over his career. Will the three-division champion return to the ring?

Ryan Garcia is an accomplished fighter, endowed with exceptional speed and formidable power in his left hand. Nevertheless, his most significant victory against Devin Haney was nullified after he tested positive for a prohibited substance. Can Garcia finally consolidate his skills and secure his first major world title when he faces Mario Barrios on February 21?

Andreas Hale, Nick Parkinson, and James Regan address these inquiries and more regarding Nick Ball, Claressa Shields, Tyson Fury, and the Leigh Woods-Josh Warrington rematch, distinguishing fact from fiction.

Real or not: Gervonta Davis will never fight again

Not real. Davis has hinted at retirement, and his disinterest in fighting is well known, but it is difficult to believe he will retire following his recent legal challenges. In fact, these legal troubles may increase the likelihood of his return to the ring. The driving factor? Financial gain. Regardless of opinions on Davis’ motivation to fight, he generates substantial income each time he competes. He was scheduled to receive a significant paycheck for an exhibition match against Jake Paul in November, but the fight was canceled after Davis faced allegations of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress in a civil lawsuit filed by an ex-girlfriend.

No one can predict how long he will be sidelined, but at 31, Davis is in his physical prime as a boxer. Even if his desire to compete wanes, the anticipation surrounding his comeback will likely command a considerable payday that he may find hard to resist. — Hale

Real or not: Tyson Fury will struggle against Arslanbek Makhmudov

Not real. Fury may not be at his peak following a 16-month hiatus, and there may be moments that are uncomfortable for his supporters, but the former champion is still expected to defeat an opponent who has been stopped twice in his last four bouts. Makhmudov, 36, is coming off a commanding decision win over Dave Allen last October, which likely influenced Fury’s team to choose him as a comeback opponent.

Makhmudov was knocked down three times by body shots from Agit Kabayel, who halted the 6-foot-5 fighter in four rounds in December 2023. Targeting the body could be a strategy Fury employs as well.

Guido Vianello subsequently stopped Makhmudov due to an eye injury in August 2024, so Makhmudov enters this significant fight with less than stellar form. However, Fury has faced challenges in interim fights before—he suffered a severe cut against Otto Wallin in preparation for the rematch with Deontay Wilder in 2019—and he may not be at his best.

Fury, 37, enters this bout after two consecutive decision losses in title fights against Oleksandr Usyk, but he is still favored to win, even if it requires going the full distance. — Parkinson

Real or not: Ryan Garcia will win a world title in 2026

Real. Garcia experienced a challenging 2024 and 2025, yet he remains exceptionally talented with undeniable boxing abilities. Regardless of opinions on his entitlement to this title fight, there is no doubt that his match against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios represents his best—and possibly final—chance at securing a world title. Garcia is undoubtedly more skilled than Barrios, but the primary concern will be his preparation.

Barrios adopts a blue-collar style in boxing, utilizing his 6-foot height and 71-inch reach to outpoint and outwork his opponents. He is not particularly known for his knockout power, with his most recent stoppage occurring in 2023 against journeyman Jovanie Santiago, so Garcia may not face the risk of being stopped for a second time in his career. Barrios’ last two performances were not particularly impressive, as he retained his title with draws against a 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao last July and a competent but unremarkable Abel Ramos in November 2024.

If Garcia is focused, his speed and power should suffice to secure his first world title against Barrios. Fans have awaited Garcia’s realization of his immense potential, and he should find a way to leave Las Vegas with a championship belt. — Hale

Real or not: Nick Ball will KO Brandon Figueroa to retain his WBA featherweight title

Not real. The skilled and agile Ball has achieved knockouts against significant opponents in the past, but two-division world champion Figueroa presents a distinctly different challenge. Additionally, Figueroa has never been knocked out. Ball has somewhat cruised through his last three title defenses—two of which were stoppages—since claiming the WBA featherweight belt in a decision victory over Ray Ford in 2024.

Ball has expressed that he views his shorter stature—standing at 5-foot-2—as an advantage compared to his competitors, and this will be tested against Figueroa, who has a seven-inch height advantage. Anticipate Ball to secure a victory on home turf in Liverpool, England, in what could be an engaging matchup. However, achieving a knockout may prove too ambitious against the resilient Figueroa. — Regan

Real or not: Franchon Crews-Dezurn will upset Claressa Shields for the undisputed heavyweight championship

Not real. Despite Shields’ numerous achievements (two Olympic gold medals, five-division champion, and undisputed in three weight classes), it is often overlooked that she is only 30 years old and entering her boxing prime. She defeated Crews-Dezurn by decision in both of their professional debuts nearly a decade ago. While Crews-Dezurn has made significant improvements, becoming an undisputed champion in her own right, Shields has also advanced in her career. Neither fighter should expect the same opponent they faced in November 2016. However, while Crews-Dezurn, 38, may be familiar with Shields, she is stepping into a weight class that Shields has dominated for the past 18 months.

Moreover, Shields is widely acknowledged as the top women’s pound-for-pound fighter in the world. She has not come close to losing, and there is no indication that she is slowing down. Crews-Dezurn is undoubtedly talented, but given Shields’ boxing pedigree and her adaptation to the heavyweight division, this will be a formidable challenge for “The Heavy-Hitting Diva.” — Hale

Real or not: Leigh Wood will retire Josh Warrington

Real. Wood appears to be the more probable victor in this rematch, but in addition to potentially ending Warrington’s career, he could also conclude his own.

Wood was trailing in the fight when he knocked out Warrington in Round 7 during his second defense of the WBA featherweight title in Sheffield, England, in October 2023. After both fighters have provided thrilling performances, their rematch could mark the end of both their careers. Warrington seemed to have retired following a defeat to Anthony Cacace in September 2024 when he left his gloves in the center of the ring, and Wood has recently expressed uncertainty about continuing his career beyond this rematch.

Warrington, 35, has suffered three losses in his last four bouts, while Wood, 37, was stopped in his latest fight by Cacace in Round 9 last May. The outcome is likely to be close, but Wood has demonstrated that he is a relentless finisher in significant fights and may be motivated by his home crowd in Leeds, England. — Parkinson