Boxing: Will Davis fight? Is Garcia a champion? Predictions and analysis

Gervonta “Tank” Davis, recognized as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers, faces an uncertain future due to legal problems outside the ring. Will the champion in three divisions fight again? Ryan García, gifted with speed and devastating power in his left hand, saw his biggest victory, against Devin Haney, vanish after testing positive for a banned substance. Will García be able to conquer his first major world title? We analyze these and other questions about Nick Ball, Claressa Shields, Tyson Fury and the Leigh Wood vs. Josh Warrington rematch, separating reality from speculation.

Real or not?: Gervonta Davis will not fight again

It’s not real. Although Davis has hinted at his retirement and his lack of interest in fighting is notorious, it’s hard to believe he’ll hang up his gloves after his recent legal troubles. In fact, these problems could increase the chances of him returning to the ring, driven by economic considerations. Davis generates considerable income in each fight. He was scheduled to get a large sum for an exhibition against Jake Paul in November, but was accused of assault, aggravated assault, unlawful imprisonment, kidnapping, and inflicting emotional distress in a civil lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend, leading to the cancellation of the fight. Although it is unknown how long he will be out of action, Davis, 31 years old and in his physical prime, could be tempted by the considerable purse he could obtain with his return, even if the motivation to compete is not the same.

Real or not?: Tyson Fury will have difficulties against Arslanbek Makhmudov

It’s not real. Fury might not be in his best shape after 16 months out of the ring, and the fight might not be comfortable for his fans, but the former champion is expected to defeat an opponent who has been stopped twice in his last four fights. Makhmudov, 36, is coming off a dominant decision victory over Dave Allen last October, which was probably enough for Fury’s team to select him as a comeback opponent. Makhmudov was sent to the canvas three times with body shots by Agit Kabayel, who stopped Makhmudov in four rounds in December 2023. Targeting the body could be something Fury will also look to do. Guido Vianello stopped Makhmudov due to an eye injury in August 2024, so Makhmudov doesn’t have the most impressive form for his most important fight to date. But Fury has had problems with these intermediate fights before, and he might not be perfect in his punches. Fury, 37, comes into this fight after losing two consecutive decisions in title fights against Oleksandr Usyk, but Fury should win this fight, even if he has to go the distance.

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

Real. García had a tumultuous 2024 and 2025, but remains a talented boxer with undeniable skills. Beyond whether or not he deserves this title fight, his match against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios is his best, and perhaps last, chance to win a world title. García is undeniably more talented than Barrios, but the biggest unknown will be his preparation.

Barrios has a hard-working approach to boxing and uses his 6-foot height and 71-inch reach to outmaneuver and outwork the opposition. He is not known as a power puncher, with his last knockout in 2023 against journeyman Jovanie Santiago, so Garcia might not be in danger of being stopped for the second time in his career. Barrios’ two previous outings were not outstanding, as he held his title with draws against Manny Pacquiao last July and a solid, though unspectacular, Abel Ramos in November 2024.

If Garcia is focused, his speed and power should be enough to get his first world title against Barrios. We have waited for Garcia to reach his enormous potential, and he should find a way to leave Las Vegas with the gold in his power.

Real or Not?: Nick Ball will knock out Brandon Figueroa to retain his WBA featherweight title

It’s not real. The skillful Ball has knocked out great opponents in the past, but the two-division world champion, Figueroa, represents a completely different challenge. Furthermore, Figueroa has never been knocked out. Ball has sailed through his last three title defenses, two by stoppage, since winning the WBA featherweight belt in a decision victory against Ray Ford in 2024. Ball has said that he sees his lack of height (he is 5 feet 2 inches tall) compared to his rivals as an advantage, and the test will come against Figueroa, who is seven inches taller than him. He hopes that Ball will get the victory at home in Liverpool, England, in what could be an intriguing clash. But the knockout could be a bridge too far against the tough Figueroa.

Real or Not?: Franchon Crews-Dezurn to Beat Claressa Shields for Undisputed Super Middleweight Championship

It’s not real. Despite all of Shields’ accomplishments (two Olympic gold medals, champion in five divisions, and undisputed in three weight classes), we tend to overlook the fact that she’s only 30 and entering her prime in boxing. She defeated Crews-Dezurn by decision in what were their professional debuts almost a decade ago. Crews-Dezurn has improved, becoming undisputed champion along the way, but Shields has also improved. Neither should enter the ring expecting the same opponent they faced in November 2016. But, while the 38-year-old Crews-Dezurn may be familiar with Shields, she is entering a weight class where the GWOAT has resided for the last 18 months. Also, there’s the fact that Shields is widely considered the best pound-for-pound female boxer in the world. She hasn’t come close to losing and there’s nothing to suggest she’s slowing down. Crews-Dezurn is certainly talented, but between Shields’ boxing pedigree and how she’s adapted to the heavyweight class, this will be too big a mountain for “The Heavy-Hitting Diva” to climb.

Real or not?: Leigh Wood to retire Josh Warrington

Real. Wood seems to be the most likely winner in this rematch, but in addition to ending Warrington’s career, it could also end his own. Wood was losing the fight when he knocked out Warrington in the seventh round for the second defense of the WBA featherweight title in Sheffield, England, in October 2023. And after these two gave us great nights, their rematch could end both careers. Warrington seemed to have retired after a defeat to Anthony Cacace in September 2024 when he left his gloves in the middle of the ring, and Wood recently admitted that he was not sure about continuing to fight beyond the rematch. Warrington, 35, has lost three of his last four fights, while Wood, 37, was stopped in his most recent fight by Cacace in the ninth round last May. It will be a close fight, but Wood has proven to be a ruthless finisher in big fights and could be inspired by the support of his audience in Leeds, England.