On several occasions, Garcia started his postfight interviews by acknowledging Jesus as his savior and admitted that his adversary needed more convincing.

“He drinks a lot, he gambles a lot,” Davis told FightHype. “Just don’t say that ‘I’m this highly praise God person like I’m a saint, I don’t do nothing wrong’ if you’re gonna do your little dirt and think nobody gonna get back to it.”

The interviewer asked Davis if he thinks Garcia is a hypocrite, to which he responded, “Yeah, for sure.”

“He’s more (of) a bad person than me,” Davis added.

The 28-year-old Baltimore native was born into a Christian family. Like Garcia, Davis’ tattoos could also be an indicator of his faith. Although he is not as outspoken about religion, “Tank” has the word “Blessed” — alongside angel wings — on his neck. His claims of Garcia being a worse person than him were made controversial by allegations of a hit-and-run in 2020 and a domestic violence charge last year.

“That kind of statement causes a lot of confusion to people,” Garcia said. “There’s a lot of people on the fence of believing in God and what that really means. When you come to God, it’s not (that) you’re coming to praise him because you’re perfect. You’re praising him because you understand that you’re imperfect.”

The smack-talk around faith didn’t end there.

“Those things that he even claimed, it shows me that he hasn’t done much searching on what God really is. It shows me his level of maturity,” Garcia added. “He’s 28 and has done no searching in it. He’s not doing anything for anybody but himself and I’m here to spread a good message to people.”

Fight night and the aftermath

Several boxing legends with religious affiliations were present ringside on the night of the fight. They included Manny Pacquiao, who grew up Catholic and later became an evangelical, as well as Bernard Hopkins and Mike Tyson, who both converted to Islam as young men.

Walkouts are a factor in building the boxing experience. How the fighters enter the ring creates an impression and builds a particular type of suspense and excitement for spectators. Most times, walkouts display determination, readiness and showmanship.

Other times, it becomes an opportunity to intimidate the opposition.

Garcia, in the biggest fight of his career, chose to walk out to “Oceans” by Hillsong United, an unusual selection as a haunting and beautiful recorded voice sang the lyrics slowly to the fight audience.

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior.

The lyrics blared over the arena loudspeakers as Garcia walked out of the tunnel. He pointed his gloves to the sky while his head shifted between bows and upward looks.