Broadcaster Al Bernstein has seen a thing or two in his over 40 years of calling fights from ringside.

Whether it was in his early years of being behind the mic on Top Rank cards that aired on ESPN or current Showtime Championship Boxing telecasts, fans appreciate Bernstein’s unbiased and well-thought analysis.

So it goes without saying that he had plenty to say regarding tonight’s highly-anticipated fight between unbeaten lightweights Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia. The 12-round bout will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada and will air live on Showtime Pay-Per-View (8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT).

The buildup to the fight has picked up steam, particularly after the press conference on Thursday and Friday’s weigh-in. There was a weight class for Garcia, where he was not allowed to weigh more than 136 pounds. He came in at 135.5.

Both fighters cannot rehydrate more than 10 pounds from yesterday’s weigh-in.

Aside from the theatrics that have made this a compelling and talked-about fight, Bernstein spoke about the intangibles of the fight and how it could play it out, stating the clash is “one of the most interesting strategic fights I’ve called in quite a while.”

Bernstein analyzed both fighters and what they did in their recent fights.

“This really is a unique style match up,” said Bernstein in a recent interview. “We have two knockout punchers, but it oversimplifies it to say power is the only factor. Of huge importance is which fighter can use their skills and in-ring strategy to make their power a factor. Garcia wants to use his edge in height and reach to good advantage, which means staying back and remaining patient. He can’t over commit on his punches, which he has sometimes done. Though some say a left hook can’t be a major weapon for a righty against a southpaw. I disagree and Garcia proves that point. His vaunted left hook has been central in beating his two toughest foes, lefties Javier Fortuna and Luke Campbell. He can throw it well to the body and also as a check left hook to the head against an attacking foe like Davis. Much will depend on whether Garcia can use the jab effectively, as he did against Fortuna. And it would be unwise for Garcia, when throwing his hook to the body, to not be aware of the Davis right hook-Davis has scored knockouts with that punch.

Bernstein has called several of Davis' fights across Showtime platforms, including his knockout win over Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero on May 28. Davis dropped Romero with a right hook to the head, eventually earning a knockout win. 

The 72-year-old, who was born in Chicago and was recently inducted into the Southern Nevada Hall of Fame, took into account Davis’ recent fights, noting Davis does start out slow, but picks up steam as a fight develops into the middle rounds.

“His fights in recent years have taken on a familiar pattern,” said Bernstein. “He does not dominate in early rounds and often finds himself in close fights heading into middle rounds, and then his power takes over. The only exception was his match with Isaac Cruz. While he does not want to give away rounds in this fight, the fact that Garcia is the most powerful fighter he has yet faced makes it essential that he wait for the right moments in the fight for a full fledged attack. It will be interesting to see if Davis works to the body much (he’s a very good body puncher) with the concern of being countered by Garcia, especially with a left hook over the Davis right hook to the body. 

“Davis is at his best when he jabs his way in to get in position for his powerful uppercut or the straight left hand. Sometimes he doesn’t need that in order to get inside, though against Garcia, it’s likely he will. Luke Campbell knocked Garcia down with a lead overhand left, but is taller than Davis. There is danger in this fight for either fighter if it takes unnecessary risks, which is why I don’t think it will be a firefight from the first bell, but will become one as the fight wears on.”

Bernstein will take his customary seat at ringside to call tonight’s action. Aside from offering analysis, he will enjoy watching how the Davis-Garcia fight will play out.

“All that I’ve said here still leaves things out in terms of strategic and stylistic questions, so it’s clear when I say this is a match-up that provides fascination in the lead-in to the match. And behind all the strategic and tactical issues is the fact that both these men have big power that can change or end a fight in an instant. The drama inside the ring and the popularity of both men outside it makes this a hugely appealing match-up. I am thrilled to be able to announce it with my Showtime colleagues.”

Francisco A. Salazar has written for BoxingScene since September 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing