Will Shakur Stevenson and Gervonta Davis Clash in 2025?
World lightweight champions Shakur Stevenson and Gervonta “Tank” Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) have separated themselves from the rest of the pack at 135. A unification fight between the two needs to occur this year. Stevenson sees himself as the clear superior.
On the undercard of the rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, Stevenson successfully defended the WBC 135-pound strap with a ninth-round stoppage over Josh Padley in Saudi Arabia. In doing whatever he wanted, the defending champion used a vicious body attack to break down and finish off his foe.
Despite a dominant performance, one person who wasn’t impressed was Davis. The reigning WBA lightweight belt holder mocked Stevenson’s victory on social media. So of course Davis was front and center during Stevenson’s post-fight interview with the boxing media. The WBC champion had this to say about his rival:
“Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis is a hell of a fighter. I keep telling you that he got great skills, but I’m better than him at hit-and-don’t-get-hit, and he can’t beat me.”
Stevenson versus Davis would be a fascinating style-matchup. Davis is a patient and calculating power puncher. Stevenson is a pure boxer and one of the most skilled craftsmen in the sport. Many in the boxing community would love to see them face one another.
READY TO MAKE IT HAPPEN
The problem is that Davis seems to have this idea that the WBC champion has not done enough to earn the opportunity. As a result, he’s been quite dismissive of Stevenson and refuses to work with boxing power player Turki Alalshikh. Tank doesn’t view the 27-year-old as a high priority. Stevenson believes Tank is full of it and urges the suits to work behind the scenes to make the fight a reality.
“I got respect for his game, I don’t got respect for the person. I think he’s a clown . . . Turki (Alalshikh) got all the money, so put the biggest fight on. I mean, let’s negotiate. I think the both of us can make a lot of money, and I’m ready to make it happen.”
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Tank’s argument that Stevenson isn’t worthy of the opportunity is arrogant and disingenuous. They both need each other to prove once and for all who is the best in the division. Stevenson is correct in stating that it would be a big event that pulls in plenty of dollars.
Personal pride, legacy, and a big payday would be on the line. Given that reality, enough with the excuses. Representatives from both parties need to meet behind the scenes and negotiate what would be one of the biggest matchups in the sport, the sooner, the better.
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