Brilliant Gervonta Davis Stops Mario Barrios; Becomes a Three- Division World Champion. Should Santa Cruz or Garcia be Next

By Carlos Costa

Sensational unbeaten KO Artist Gervonta “Tank” Davis (25-0, 24 KO’s), a protege of legendary Floyd Mayweather, became a 3-division world champion in sizzling fashion by stopping in 11 hard-fought rounds tough Mexican-American defending champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios (26-1, 17 KO’s), claiming the WBA Super Lightweight World Title tonight at the State Farm in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Davis powered through Barrios’ toughness and guts dropping the taller man in chapters 8 and 11 with damaging, perfectly-placed body shots, as well with attacks to the head, which eventually prompted the thrilling stoppage at the 2:13 minute mark in one of the most remarkable wins for the 26-year-old southpaw fighting star from Baltimore, Maryland.

Even way down in the scorecards, the previously undefeated world champion Mario Barrios, 27, kept his fighting spirit high, not diminishing his will for victory.

This time, however, the San Antonio native was forced to beat the dust to the better man, ending the battle with a cut under his left eye, a direct result of one of Davis right hooks that landed hard in round eight.

After tonight’s awesome win, what next?

Will “Tank’s” next war be a hot rematch against Mexican former champ Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz (37-2-1, 19 KO’s)? Is that indeed the rumble that mots fans want to witness?

In their prior fantastic encounter, “Tank” Davis ravaged the popular Santa Cruz in six chapters in October of last year at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

Santa Cruz, 32, hasn’t climbed the ring since that rough night of leather. But if the two men battle one more time, would the same result happen again?

But, Instead of Santa Cruz, should “Tank” come down to 135-lbs to fight the even more popular “King” Ryan Garcia (21-0, 18 KO’s)?

Davis, handled by Floyd and Haymon versus Garcia, who is promoted by Oscar de la Hoya, would definitely be a blockbuster event that no boxing fan would want to miss. Will it happen?

Tonight’s Gervonta Davis vs Mario Barrios for the WBA Super Lightweight World Championship was a promotion of Al Haymond live on Showtime PPV.

The author Carlos Costa is a veteran boxing reporter living in Cebu. Carlos can be reached by email at carlos512@hotmail.com or WhatsApp/Viber: 09184538152.