Ben Davino & Kyler Larkin To Meet For First Time At Who's Number One
Ben Davino & Kyler Larkin To Meet For First Time At Who's Number One
High School stars Ben Davino of Illinois and Kyler Larkin of Arizona are set to meet for the first time at Who's Number One in September.
Ben Davino and Kyler Larkin were the last two representatives for the United States at the U17 World Championships. Now they'll meet for the top spot in the country at 132 lbs on September 2nd at Who's Number One.
Despite being staples at the nation's biggest wrestling events, Davino and Larkin's paths haven't crossed in high school. Both have made the U17 World Team and both have won Fargo stopsigns and now they'll battle to see who's the best at the weight.
Davino is already familiar with the top spot in the country. He earned the #1 ranking at 126 lbs a year ago at Who's Number One when he knocked off rising Princeton freshman Marc-Anthony McGowan at Who's Number One. He defended his ranking at Super 32 a month later, won Ironman in December with another victory over McGowan, and then capped off his junior campaign by winning the U17 World Team Spot in Las Vegas in April.
Ben Davino's 2022 Who's Number One victory over Marc-Anthony McGowan
Larkin is plenty credentialed, but this is his first opportunity to take over the #1 ranking. Most recently, he earned his shot by running an ultra-tough gauntlet in Fargo at 132 lbs. Other than a tight 4-3 quarterfinal victory over Matty Lopes, Larkin dominated the field. He was 7-0 with 5 techs and a 70-4 margin against the field.
After securing his stop sign, Larkin released a video detailing his mindset as he prepared for and competed in Fargo. Larkin explained that when he saw he was sitting in the #2 spot in the bracket, he gave away his red singlet because the only reason he would need it was in the consolation bracket. Larkin's bold move paid off and now adds to his legend.
Kyle Larkin's explanation of how he won Fargo
This matchup showcases a fascinating clash of styles. Davino attacks with a relentless pace, and Larkin is a counter-offense specialist. Wrestling fans can expect plenty of action and high-level wrestling sequences throughout the seven-minute contest.
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195 lbs - Connor Mirasola vs Aeoden Sinclair
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