Despite being a significant underdog, Barrios gave Davis some problems. But Davis showed the will to win, a ton of heart, and fight-changing power in both hands that can get him out of trouble.
Now that he's disposed of Barrios, what is next for the 26-year-old?
He's become one of boxing's marquee attractions in three weight classes: 130, 135, and 140 pounds. As impressive a feat as it is, the problem some boxing pundits have with Davis, and it's a valid one, is that he hasn't taken on the upper echelon of those weight divisions. Hopefully, for the sake of Davis and the sport of boxing, it happens sooner rather than later.
With that said, DAZN takes a look at who Davis should face next.
Ryan Garcia
Sources have told DAZN that Davis-Garcia was *this close* to happening in 2021. However, just when the fight looked to be on the verge of being signed, Garcia tried his hand at trying to make a fight with Manny Pacquiao. As soon as that occurred, Davis went in the direction of jumping up two weight classes to face Barrios.
Why not revisit a battle featuring the two biggest names between 130-140 pounds? From the looks of things, Garcia is going to be preparing for a return to action after pulling himself out of a scheduled July clash with Javier Fortuna (more on him in a bit). So let Garcia take a tune-up, and if things go his way, then make the Davis fight. Davis' return on Saturday was his first fight in almost eight months, so time shouldn't be an issue.
Facing someone with an undefeated record, a huge following, and someone who knows how to sell a fight is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Regis Prograis
This is the most interesting fight at 140 pounds for Davis. Prograis is the second-best fighter at super lightweight behind undisputed kingpin Josh Taylor. He would provide the most challenging test for Davis outside of Taylor.
Prograis sent out a video early Sunday morning, saying he saw the fight and made it clear to Davis that his promoter, Floyd Mayweather Jr., should keep him away, or he's going to get hurt.
It's an easy fight to make as the former 140-pound titlist is a network free agent, so that wouldn't stand in the way. A win over Prograis would be another fight that would quiet the critics who say Davis is taking the path of the least resistance and not wanting to test himself versus A-level competition.
Winner of Javier Fortuna- Jo Jo Diaz
Fortuna and Diaz lock horns in a lightweight co-main event on July 9 on DAZN. Like Prograis, Fortuna is a network free agent, so he can bounce around while Golden Boy promotes Diaz.
Davis' team at Mayweather Promotions and the Oscar De La Hoya-owned promotion nearly made Davis-Garcia, so a cross-promotional fight isn't impossible to make. In addition, Fortuna and Diaz are action fighters which compliments Davis' style.