Ryan Garcia has the skills to beat Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis should they eventually meet in the ring, according to Bernard Hopins.
Golden Boy Promotions partner Hopkins thinks the fight would be a tough one to call given their respective abilities.
Speaking to Insider, he explained: "When it comes to Tank Davis and Ryan Garcia, that fight to me goes back to names like Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran," Hopkins told Insider.
"I'm not saying these guys are [similar]. But in their era, and then in this era, you have a match-up that has merit because of the things they've done leading up to this rivalry that has two guys who are evenly-talented."
Hopkins was impressed not just by Garcia’s recent win over Luke Campbell, but the manner of victory, when the young Californian was able to get up from the canvas for the first time in his professional career.
"I was there witnessing an event and also a knockdown that most people wouldn't have gotten up from," Hopkins said.
"Not only did he get up but he also got up with a purpose and that was to get this man out and to be professional about it. Ryan Garcia became a man that night.
"He overcame a knockdown that could have been a knockout. It could have showed his heart, or lack thereof.
"But those questions are not going to be brought up anytime soon, or ever, after he showed so many things that night to all his future opponents who were watching."
Hopkins sees Garcia as a fighter who can attract a wider audience for the sport with his social media success.
"Ryan put everybody on notice that he is the real deal and not just a pretty face with 8 million followers, and 90% of them are females," Hopkins explained.
"Every era has its stars who bring other casual boxing fans to our sport and enjoy and love it and never leave again. That's what I like about guys like Ryan and Tank Davis.”
Former world champion Hopkins is reluctant to call a favourite for the fight, but believes Garcia could emerge victorious.
"I'd be a fool if I tell you that Tank Davis has no chance when he fights Ryan Garcia. But I also know Ryan Garcia has all the tools and the style to beat Tank Davis,” he said.
"You will see the best athletes in their time representing themselves like the great ones from Mexican-American and African-American boxing history, coming together to fight in the ring, mano a mano, to be the best."