Gervonta Davis: 'It's going to surprise (Barrios) when I connect'

Gervonta Davis isn’t a big talker.

The two-time junior lightweight titleholder, who is moving up two divisions to take on Mario Barrios in a pay-per-view fight Saturday, was as low-key as ever as the final news conference. No trash talk, no bold predictions.

“Tank” is confident, though. Barrios’ size advantage, which includes height and reach? No big deal. And we’ll Davis carry his vaunted power up to junior welterweight? Bet on it.

Davis (24-0, 23 KOs) last fought at 130 pounds, at which he stopped Leo Santa Cruz with a single uppercut in Round 6 this past October. For the fight on Saturday, in Atlanta, he skipped over 135 pounds – where he fought once before the Santa Cruz fight — to 140.

And he won’t be facing a pushover. Barrios (26-0, 17 KOs) also is unbeaten and has knockout power.

Barrios has mentioned the size advantage multiple times. Davis doesn’t buy it.

“I think he is making a mistake,” Davis said with Barrios a few feet away. “It’s not just the height. He thinks he’s stronger than me, so we are just going to have to wait and see. If he believes that I’ve never seen anyone like him, then so be it.

“But they always learn on fight night. That’s when the real me comes out.”

And Davis’ power?

His knockout record speaks for itself. At the same time, he’s never tested it against a legitimate 140-pounder. It’s difficult to imagine Barrios standing up to the shot Davis used to stop Santa Cruz but this us uncharted territory.

Davis expects to give fans what they expect from him.

“If I hurt him, we know that I am going to get him out of there,” Davis said. “It’s going to be an explosive night for the sport of boxing. When I fight bigger guys in the gym, I always show up. I hate when people think that I’m small and try to take advantage of me. This is one of the fights where you will see the best of Gervonta Davis.

“It’s going to surprise him when I connect. It’s not only that I hit hard, but its where I place my punches and he will see that Saturday night.”

One more thing: Davis seems to be genuinely excited about the fight.

“I’ve been working each and every day in the gym to become a better fighter for Saturday night,” Davis said. “I can’t wait to see the performance I put on. Moving up to 140 is definitely a great opportunity. I’m looking forward to it and I’m ready to give the fans what they want to see, which is a great fight.

“You know I’m coming. I’m excited to be in this position, I’m soaking it all in. Saturday night is going to be a great night of boxing.”