Gervonta Davis Thinks All the Top Lightweights Are Easy to Beat
At a packed Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, pay-per-view attraction Gervonta “Tank” Davis (26-0, 24 KOs) successfully defended the WBA world ‘regular’ lightweight title. He overcame late replacement “Pitbull” Isaac Cruz (22-2-2, 15 KOs) via unanimous decision (116-112, 115-113 x2 ). However, Tank feels the top names in the division are no threat to him.
The defending champion fought with an injured left hand during a significant portion of the bout. His top-rated Mexican foe, while a late replacement, did not disappoint fans with his performance. He proved to be tough, pressuring Davis all night long. Cruz became only the second man to go the distance with the Baltimore power-puncher, ending Davis’ seven-year knockout streak. Still, Tank’s speed and accuracy proved to be the difference.
SHOTS FIRED!
After the fight, Davis was asked about a possible matchup with the elite in the division. Most notably mentioned were unified IBF/WBA ‘super’/WBO world lightweight champ George Kambosos Jr, WBC world 135-pound champ Devin Haney, and top contender Ryan Garcia. He quickly and emphatically expressed how he would fare against any man.
“All them guys is easy work. Easy work, man, easy work. I’m the top dog!”
WHO’S NEXT?
Things in the lightweight division have shifted. Newly crowned unified champion George “Ferocious” Kambosos sits atop the division holding three belts. This includes the WBA ‘super’ title, which carries more respect as the legit title by most boxing enthusiasts. Ironically, he was in attendance for the fight, perhaps doing a scouting report on a potential opponent.
Then there is WBC champion Devin “The Dream” Haney, who is no stranger to Davis. There is a history between the two that goes back to their amateur days. Equally important, rumors have it Haney gave him the business during sparring at the Mayweather boxing gym.
Next is former WBC Interim champion Ryan “King Ry” Garcia. He also has a history with Davis. Before taking some time off to deal with mental issues, Garcia successfully baited Davis into committing to fight.
“When I ever been a bitch?! You know who you talked to ten minutes before ya ring walk. The fight already been made….now….shut up and get ready.”
PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING
Davis is arguably a star, but fans and pundits have asked when will the hard-hitting southpaw truly test himself. That answer largely depends on what direction his promoter, Floyd Mayweather, wants to take him.
RELATED: Tank Davis: “It’s Not Just Me! No Other Top Guys Are Fighting Top Guys!”
Insiders know that any fight regarding Davis does not happen without Mayweather’s consent. Plenty of trash-talk has taken place between Davis, Haney, and Garcia over social media. However, we’ve yet to see Davis step up and face the very best at lightweight.
It’s one thing to say that you will make light work of the other top dogs in the division. The inevitable question becomes: when will Davis get in the ring with them? Or more to the point, when will his promoter take the reigns off and put Davis in against an elite-level guy that will give him a serious challenge? That is the ultimate question for Davis and Mayweather in 2022.
Reading Time: 3 minutes
By: Garrisson Bland & Michael Wilson Jr.
