Stephen Espinoza Admits to Issues Closing Davis v Garcia Deal
As the year ends, boxing fans continue to endure depressing news. Its latest knock over the head is the fight between three-division champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis (27-0, 25KO) and Ryan “King Ry” Garcia (23-0, 19KO) having issues. The President of Showtime Sports, Stephen Espinoza, confirms the network still has to work out a deal.
During a heated back and forth with Davis, Garcia claimed to have been the reason the fight happened. He posted a tweet with only two words, ‘Done Deal,’ indicating the bout was assured to happen.
THE NETWORKS NEED TO WORK OUT A DEAL
In an interview with Fight Hub TV, Espinoza reveals that the biggest issue is between the networks.
“I can tell you that our side is going to sit at the table for as long as it takes. We’re not walking away, and Tank’s not looking at other opportunities. I’m not going to surprise anybody. This is going to be played out until it’s clear that a deal can or can’t be made.”
“We don’t have a deal yet. I think it’s close. Networks are one of the issues. There are a couple of other issues. I think hopefully what we’ve seen in the disappointment we all feel as boxing fans from not getting the Spence-Crawford fight will make everybody involved double down and really get this.”
GARCIA VENTS OUT OF FRUSTRATION
The huge sticking point is whether the fight should be a dual pay-per-view between Showtime and DAZN. Hall of Fame fighter Floyd Mayweather and eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao’s fight comes to mind. Garcia versus Davis is not on the same scale, and as Espinoza explained, dual promotions are much more of a headache to do.
“There’s strongly held positions on both sides. If we look at where there have been co-promotions, it’s literally been the biggest events of all time.”
“There are a lot more complications […] It does affect a whole range of aspects and makes a lot of things more difficult.”
Garcia is upset about this situation and took to social media with a mini-series of posts venting his frustration.
By: Garrisson Bland
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