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“They Think I’m Shy”: After Blasting World Title Upgradation, Gervonta Davis’ Claim About His Inborn Nature Excites Fans

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Gervonta Tank Davis

It’s been some time since Gervonta Davis stayed out of mainstream boxing news. The lightweight champion headlined one of the year’s big fights against Ryan Garcia in April. It followed the January title defense against Hector Garcia. Of course, he grabbed headlines for the prison sentence he received for the 2020 car crash case. But otherwise, the ‘Tank’ made his presence felt through the one-off X/Twitter posts, or better yet, beefs.

Rumor mills are strife, with a tentative return by the first quarter of next year. In the meantime, in his latest tweet, Davis let the fans have a sneak peek at one of his inherent traits. It follows his recent outburst on a move up to full-fledged WBA lightweight champion on account of Devin Haney vacating his belts. The latter leaped up a division a few months ago and will face Regis Prograis on December 9 for the WBC light welterweight belt.

Speak less and ramp up the work: Gervonta Davis

It was an old tweet dating back to January 2015. Gervonta Davis wrote, “I don’t talk a lot around people I don’t know.” Tagging it early today, he simply added, “Still.” There were a few cynics among those who commented. But to most of the fans and followers, it was a testament to what embodies his work inside the squared circle.

This follower shared that he felt the same way. Most of the folks he comes across assume that he is timid, whereas he would be busy watching them over.

Gervonta Davis

This user highlighted one aspect of Gervonta Davis that he genuinely admired: his ability to remain active with minimal babbling.

This fan added that people who are smart usually have such practices. They study the people around them before speaking. That way, they know what to say and how to say it.

However, taking a dig, this user congratulated the world champion. They said that Davis managed to avoid facing any of the top players in the division. Hence, he can continue to enjoy a life of leisurely matches, covered by hydration clauses.

In what appears to have been deleted tweets, Gervonta Davis wrote, “I don’t want that s***.” Later, an add-on a

A match here, a rematch there

Records-wise, ‘Tank’ still remains an unbeaten champion, with 27 of his twenty-nine wins coming through knockouts. During the last couple of months, talks of a rematch with Isaac Cruz resurfaced. As many boxing fans might be aware of, the Mexican boxer is the only second person to have taken ‘Tank’ the whole distance. Soon after their fight, discussions of a rematch with Ryan Garcia erupted. However, the Californian made it clear that it has to happen within the 140-pound perimeter. Thus, a lot of permutations and combinations follow one of boxing’s biggest draws, for whose comeback fans are waiting impatiently.

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Ryan Garcia: Gervonta Davis Will Never Give Anybody Fair Fight, He Doesn’t Have The Dog In Him

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Gervonta Davis

Ryan Garcia agreed to a 136-pound catchweight clash against Gervonta Davis in April. The contract also called for a rehydration clause at a maximum of 10 pounds for the next-day morning weigh-in.

Garcia ultimately suffered a seventh-round knockout loss and admitted afterward that he was weak and weight-drained and that it was a decision he had to live with because the weight consolation was required in order to make the deal go through.

Garcia collected a paycheck of around $30 million, and now, he’s ready to return to the ring to take on Oscar Duarte (26-1-1, 21 KOs) on Dec. 2 in a 140-pound comeback fight at the Toyota Center in Houston on DAZN.

The 25-year-old Garcia (23-1, 19 KOs) still wants to have another dance with Davis, although this time on more favorable terms.

Gervonta Davis

“[Davis] will never fight me at 140. This guy will never fight anybody at a fair thing. He just won’t. He won’t chance it. He really doesn’t have that dog in him. He doesn’t have that spirit of an old-school fighter. But I don’t care,” Garcia told BoxingScene.com in an interview.

“We didn’t really run it. That wasn’t really a fight. It was a half-a-man versus a dude that, even when he dropped me, he really didn’t want to engage either, to be honest.”

Garcia was dropped in the second round with a counter left hand and in the seventh with a body shot.

Garcia’s previous two fights before Davis (29-0, 27 KOs) were contested at the super lightweight limit, while Davis had three fights in a row at 135 pounds before Garcia. Davis also has had a fight at 140 pounds in 2021 against Mario Barrios, but he considers himself to solely be a lightweight fighter.

“I plan on going on a run like I did prior to 2020 when I was just killing it,” said Garcia.

“I’m going to do it again but at 140 and then become a champion. And then run it back with Gervonta Davis because I’m a better fighter. That wasn’t me. I wasn’t committed to the sport the way I am now. I was in Los Angeles doing whatever I wanted. This change and where I am at life is who I am. That’s my main focus – to be a world champion at 140, get the rematch with Tank and beat him, and then the sky is the limit.”

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I’m training with Anthony Joshua ahead of his next fight, fans will finally see AJ looking more like his old self

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Anthony Joshua

ANTHONY JOSHUA has been backed to return to his former self after linking up with trainer Ben Davison.

The two-time heavyweight champion returns on December 23 in Saudi Arabia against Otto Wallin.

And he will do so under the guidance of Davison – who formerly worked with Tyson Fury – for the first time.

Former WBA featherweight champ Leigh Wood has been in the gym with AJ and he warned to expect a vintage Joshua.

Wood, 35, told Boxing News: “He’s on the right path, and I can’t wait for his fight in December.

“I think you will see AJ be more clear and decisive with what he’s doing in there, because I feel like he’ll know what he needs to do – whereas in previous fights, he’s a bit apprehensive.

“[It’s like he’s] thinking, ‘It don’t feel right,’ or half-guessing and not confident in what he’s doing but just doing it anyway.

Anthony Joshua

“I know for this fight he will be clear and decisive, knowing what he needs to do and going out and doing it.

“A lot of people will say, ‘AJ’s looking more like his old self,’ and that will be because of these things he’s doing.

“Without a shadow of a doubt, it’s an AJ knockout [against Wallin].”

Joshua has been cornered by American Derrick James for his last two fights, a points win to Jermaine Franklin, 30, and KO over Robert Helenius, 39.

But James has been in his Texas base with Ryan Garcia, 25, who faces Oscar Duarte, 27, tonight.

Joshua, 34, has stationed himself in the UK for his fight with Wallin, 32, which led to his decision to go with Davison.

And Wood – who became won the world title under Davison – has seen AJ’s improvements first hand.

He said: “The approach he’s got with Ben, he’s like a sponge – he’s absorbing all the information.

“A lot of people look at it and think, ‘He’s training with Ben, is he mad?’ But like I’ve said, Ben [is] way ahead.

“I’ve said this many times, and people can quote me, because I know in 10 years’ time they’ll be like: ‘Leigh Wood told us.’

“I didn’t have to tell you. Look at my fights I’ve had; I’ve been underdog time and time again, [but] I’m getting these results.

“Is it because I’m superhuman, or is it because I’ve got a mint team? Do the maths.

“I can see a lot of similarities between AJ and myself in the way he’s learning. He’s always asking questions and wants to know how it works.

“Sometimes you’re trying to learn something and it doesn’t click straight away, then it’s a good feeling when you get it.”

 

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Anthony Joshua rekindles rivalry with Dillian Whyte

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Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua has had an eventful weekend in terms of his comments about what’s next for him in the second half of 2023, where one of his options is to once again fight Dillian Whyte.

This is, at least, according to his promotor, Eddie Hearn, who believes that it is on the table alongside a long-awaited meeting with Deontay Wilder.

The possible rematch against Whyte could have been left there, but Joshua made posts on social media that he later deleted, in which he revived the rivalry after beating his fellow Brit by knockout eight years ago.

After Hearn spoke about the potential fight, AJ posted on his social media a rather demeaning set of comments.

“I don’t know of any talks to fight Dillian Whyte,” he started.

However, he then went further with a second post, now deleted, in which he used a couple of lines from rapper Stormzy’s WickedSkengMan 4 song, where he went all out against Whyte.

Anthony Joshua

“Every day, AJ this, AJ that, AJ’s hairline is receding, but I’ll still fuck your girl; go retweet that,” he concluded.

Dillian Whyte accuses Anthony Joshua of deleting messages

For his part, Dillian Whyte did not keep quiet and responded to Joshua with a screenshot about the post he deleted and with insulting language demanded that he be a man and do the rematch fight.

“How about you stop being a bitch and let’s do the fight you fucking weirdo, always talking shit, tweeting stuff and then deleting, be a man you little bitch,” Whyte posted in response to Joshua’s attack.

Last Friday, Eddie Hearn told iFL TV that he was looking for a Joshua fight against Whyte in August, and then confirmed he had agreed to a December bout against Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia.

“AJ wants to fight in August. We presented him with offers today. It’s a big fight, Dillian is a big name in the division,” Hearn explained to iFL TV.

“Hopefully we can offer a deal for Dillian that he’s happy with and that he wants the fight and he wants the opportunity.”

Hearn also suggested that his team were looking for potential venues for the event, but he already has the O2 Arena in London booked just in case.

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Gervonta Davis On Possibly Getting Elevated: “I Don’t Want It”

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Gervonta Davis

Becoming a world champion is something that practically every fighter dreams of. With that salient goal in mind, they normally immure themselves in their respective gyms for years while working tirelessly on their games. Once their dreams become a reality, a sigh of relief is let out.

That said, grabbing a world title, whether it’s the first in their collection or the 20th, has to come under certain circumstances. Ideally, fighters would rather take on the division’s champion. Beating the head honcho is sweet but, considering that there’s a proliferation of titles, facing the division’s lead dog is sometimes out of the question.

If fighting a world champion isn’t a viable option, then taking on the next best contender for a vacant title is acceptable as well. But while grabbing that shiny golden trinket is important, there’s one scenario that fighters flat-out loathe…elevation.

Gervonta Davis

For whatever reason, virtually every sanctioning body gives out secondary titles, despite their major title holder being injury-free. In this case, the WBA has given out belts like candy on Halloween.

In the lightweight division, Devin Haney held the WBA super title. Just below him, Gervonta Davis is in possession of the WBA’s “Regular” title. A consolidation of the titles never took place. Meaning, the WBA allowed both fighters to carry their trinkets and maintain their championship status.

Recently, however, Devin Haney moved up in weight. The 25-year-old held onto his three lightweight titles, including the WBA, but after thinking things over, he saw no point in keeping them.

Now, with Haney dropping the rest of his 135-pound belts, Davis is set to be elevated. In the coming days or weeks, Davis will be notified via email of his new status.

Normally, that elevation has led to fighters and fans poking fun at said fighter. Davis, nevertheless, refuses to be called an email champion. Although he knows that the WBA is simply following protocol, he recently sent them a direct message letting them know that they can keep their super title and toss it in the nearest trash bin.

“I don’t want that sh!t,” said Davis on his social media account. “I want blood.”

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Gervonta Davis Gives a 10-Word Advice to a 7-0 Boxing Star From Washington D.C, Ahead of Big Fight

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Gervonta Davis

Gervonta Davis is known for his remarkable strength and quickness in the ring. He advanced through the ranks quickly to win several titles as a world champion in several weight classes. In 2017, Davis won the IBF (International Boxing Federation) super featherweight title, making him a world champion at 22. This and several of his other achievements have made him someone to look up to.

In the journey of a young apprentice, the guidance of seasoned veterans is a priceless asset. Jalil Major Hackett finds himself being commended by none other than Davis. Therefore, Davis recently took to Instagram to advise a fellow 20-year-old fighter for his upcoming fight against Adrian Gutierrez. Major is a young and promising boxer from Washington with a record of 7-0-0.

Gervonta Davis’ advice to Jalil Major Hackett

Davis reposted a reel by Overtimeboxing which featured Hackett in his training camp, on his story. Davis wrote, “@jalil_hackett  You know what to do..young but definitely on it!” Davis has been sparring with Hackett for his matches and it shows how big of a difference the spars have made. Jalil is headlining the RedOwl boxing fest event in Houston for the WBC Youth Welterweight title. Adrian Gutierrez will be his most experienced fight yet.

Gervonta Davis

A young apprentice can greatly benefit from the guidance of a seasoned professional. Hackett will look to continue his 7-win streak against Gutierrez.

Gervonta Davis on becoming world champion again

Following Devin ‘The Dream’ Haney’s decision to vacate his WBA title, it seems that Gervonta Davis will once again be crowned the undisputed champion. However, ‘Tank’ isn’t particularly interested in the WBA title. He recently responded on social media to the news about his promotion to the WBA (Super) lightweight championship, which he won by defeating Mario Barrios in an impressive knockout match last year. “I don’t want that s***,” said Davis.

Tank is undeniably a modern legend in the making. While he is against becoming the WBA lightweight champion, fans feel he is deserving of the title. His win against Ryan Garcia just goes on to prove why he is capable of reaching and staying at the top.

With support from Davis, do you think Hackett will once again prevail against his opponent for his 8th career win? Or do you think Gutierrez will come out on top?

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Gervonta Davis Says He Was Ready To ‘Whoop’ Hall Of Fame Fighter

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Garvonta Davis

Gervonta Davis took a break from targeting his lightweight rivals to take shots at a former two-weight world champion.

The brash Baltimore boxer is so far without a date to return to the ring following a career-best win over Ryan Garcia earlier this year, but has been talking a lot on social media.

His most recent target was Bernard Hopkins, who promotes Garcia under the Golden Boy banner. Garcia called out both ‘B-Hop’ and Oscar De La Hoya at a press conference for his fight with Oscar Duarte this weekend, accusing the former fighters of not backing him.

gervonta davis

Garcia took particular issue with a recent interview in which he felt Hopkins was saying he should retire if he loses to Duarte.

‘Tank’ was one of the many viewers of the awkward exchange, and took to X afterwards to say he had almost ‘whooped’ Hopkins.

Davis is likely referencing his heated exchanged with Hopkins at the weigh-in before his own fight with Garcia. Hopkins found himself on the side of the stage occupied by Davis and his team, and touched the fighter on his shoulder.

The 29-year-old didn’t take kindly to the intervention, and shouted at the Hall of Famer to keep his hands to himself. He later said he ‘should’ve slapped the s**t’ out of the fighter-turned-promoter there and then.

Hopkins has continued to rile up the current crop of fighters, and Garcia seems to be done with it. Those digs at the press conference likely won’t be the only public back and forth the pair share this fight weekend.

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“He’s not back in the gym”: Ahead of Rematch with Terence Crawford, Derrick James Gives Big Update on Errol Spence Jr’s Current Situation

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Terence Crawford

What is Errol Spence Jr.’s next strategy to redeem himself from the scathing loss he registered against Terence Crawford? A more rigorous training camp? New tactics? Or is it an entire overhaul of his training team? While the boxing world awaits the confirmed dates of the Spence Jr.- Crawford rematch,  Spence’s coach Derrick James has weighed in on the rumors of the fighter seeking a new coach.

On July 29th, a historic fight occurred at the iconic T-Mobile Arena of Las Vegas, Nevada. It was a fight for the unification of welterweight titles between Spence Jr. and Crawford. While the boxing community expected a close tie, Crawford established his dominance in the ring instantly. He emerged as the undisputed champion via a 9th-round technical knockout. Moments after the fight concluded, Spence Jr. activated the rematch clause in their contract. As the rematch looms, a new conversation ensues about Spence’s training camp. Does he remain keen on replacing his trainer, James?

Why hasn’t Errol Spence Jr. gone back to the gym?

At the press conference of the upcoming Ryan Garcia- Oscar Duarte fight, present was Garcia’s ace trainer, Derrick James; also Spence’s trainer. In a conversation with K.O. Artist Sports, the trainer briefly spoke about Spence’s preparation for the rematch against ‘Bud.’ When asked about where the negotiations had reached for the fight, the trainer in his brazen style brushed it off. But then came his revelation that raised some eyebrows. He noted that Spence has not yet gone back to the gym to begin the training camp. He said, “Nah, I mean he’s not back in the gym.” Even though a date for the fight has not been announced, why hasn’t Spence begun training with James?

Terence Bud Crawford

The trainer has recently caught the ire of boxing enthusiasts after his key fighters underperformed in their fights. One, of course, remains Spence’s fight against Crawford. The other is Jermell Charlo, who lost to Canelo Alvarez via a UD in a disappointing way. Amidst the criticism, rumors emerged that his fighter Spence was leaving him and looking for a new coach to improve his style of fighting ahead of the rematch. What does James think about these rumors? He discarded them. He substantiated his argument by stating, “His mind is right, that’s all that matters.” 

Why is there a holdup with the rematch dates?

As soon as Spence exercised the rematch clause, speculations regarding the date for the fight emerged. Initially, most believed it would take its course before the year ended, so perhaps a December fight was envisioned. However, with months passing and the arrival of December, the speculations have fallen flat. There has been no fight date that has emerged so far. While both the fighters have not delved into when the rematch would happen, Showtime’s Stephen Espinoza hinted that the rematch could take place sometime in 2024. Crawford has made his priorities clear. It is the rematch that takes precedence for him. However, he has also been seeking a fight against Canelo.

With Spence not even beginning his training camp, it would be safe to assume that the rematch is not slated to happen anytime before 2023 ends. However, the excitement and jitters around the rematch continue to  excite the boxing realm. Will Errol Spence Jr. be able to redeem himself from the devastating loss he encountered at the hands of Terence Crawford?

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Why Terence Crawford And Jermell Charlo Would Be The “Perfect Fight”

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Jermell-Charlo-Terence-Crawford

Terence Crawford has plenty of exciting opponents lined up for him. A rematch against Errol Spence Jr., a possible super-fight against Canelo Alvarez, and an opportunity to be a world champion in yet another division by potentially facing Jermell Charlo. In the past, ‘Bud,’ has been vocal about his interest to face ‘Saul,’ at a catch weight but Robert Garcia is not too keen on it.

According to him, a bout with ‘Saul,’ may not be a wise move. Moreover, he would like to see ‘Bud,’ face Jermell Charlo instead. Why does he say so?

Should Crawford face Charlo instead of Alvarez?

Charlo is a champion in only one weight class above the former undisputed welterweight champion Terence Crawford. Garcia thinks the Charlo-Crawford bout would be more fairly matched up. However, he thinks the interest in this potential fight might have abated after the Super-welterweight champion suffered a defeat against Canelo Alvarez.

While speaking to FightHubTV, he stated, “That would be the perfect fight. But Because of Charlo’s last performance, even Crawford said, I don’t even want to fight you. Just the way he fought against Canelo. Kind of does hurt a little. But he is a good sell fighter, it’s a big fight. I think that’s the fight Crawford should take and Charlo, he’s the champion so why wouldn’t he? That would be a great fight.”

The fight between Charlo and Crawford would definitely attract interest. But the legendary boxer does not shy from being brutal in his assessment of Charlo’s loss in his last fight.

Garcia gets brutally honest about Charlo’s last fight

Charlo lost his last bout via a unanimous decision against, ‘Saul,’ and also suffered a knockdown. Over a month later, Garcia revealed that he was disappointed by Charlo’s performance and did not shy away from making it evident. In the same interview, he stated, “He saw Canelo in front of him and probably felt a few punches, he decided to survive. I don’t blame him. But, we were not happy. I was a little disappointed.”

Charlo may have attracted criticism but he continues to be a notable boxer. Moreover, if a bout with Crawford does eventually take place, we are curious to know, what are your opinions on this match-up. Share with us in the comments below.

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Claressa Shields: This is a Big Moment For Detroit and Myself

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Claressa Shiled

Maybe there won’t be a Joe Frazier for Claressa Shields’ Muhammad Ali.

It’s a recurring theme in the career of someone who is rapidly living up to her self-proclaimed status as the G.W.O.A.T. of her sport. As the saying goes, to be great, a fighter needs that dance partner to bring the great out of her. Most famously, Ali had Frazier, and while we likely would have been calling “The Greatest” just that without his three bouts against “Smokin’ Joe,” their trilogy enhanced what was already a stellar resume.

So the question was, who was going to be Shields’ most heated rival, the one fighter to take her to the brink repeatedly, only to see “T-Rex” dig deep and pull out the victory?

Savannah Marshall appeared to fit that role perfectly. The two were amateur rivals, that rivalry only got more heated as their pro careers progressed, and when they finally met again last October, they produced a classic in London, England.

That night, Shields had to adjust on the fly, take some hard shots to give some back, quiet a hostile crowd, and show off aspects of her game we had never seen yet. It was a brilliant performance in her biggest pro fight to date, but the prevailing feeling when it was over was that a rematch would just produce a wider margin of victory for the Flint, Michigan native.

No Frazier, but just as Shields predicted before the fight, Marshall was going to be her George Foreman.

“My George Foreman is over there in Savannah Marshall,” Shields told me last year. “I think every Ali needs a George Foreman. So I’m Ali and Savannah Marshall’s my George Foreman.

“I’m gonna smash Savannah Marshall up and after that she may yell for a rematch to get beat up again, but there’s not gonna be no rematches.”

Claressa Shield

And that’s that.

Marshall will face Franchon Crews-Dezurn on July 1, and Shields is keeping things moving as well, as she prepares to face Maricela Cornejo at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. It wasn’t the way things were supposed to be in the “Motor City” this Saturday, but when Hanna Gabriels was pulled from the bout due to an adverse finding on a recent VADA test, in stepped Cornejo.

Maybe Gabriels was going to be the Frazier, considering that she’s the only fighter to drop Shields as a pro, having done so in a 2018 bout still won by a wide margin by the current undisputed middleweight champion, but for now, that’s on hold.

Will it be Cornejo, who has come up short in three tries at a world crown? She’s a good fighter, but not likely. So, at this point, it may just be Shields against Shields until further notice.

“I had to switch my mindset up when Maricela Cornejo became the opponent,” said Shields. “She’s tall, she’s fresh and she’s fought for the world title before. This chance to fight for undisputed is once in a lifetime for her, so I’m excited to face an opponent who I know is ready to go.”

That focus may be Shields’ greatest attribute at this point in her career. Having done all there is to do as an amateur (two Olympic gold medals) and in three weight classes (154, 160, 168) as a pro, there is precious little to keep her motivated, even after just 13 pro fights. Add in the fact that she’s headlining an arena show in her home state and has been pulled in every different direction in terms of promoting the event, especially now, with a late change of opponent, and if there has ever been an opportunity for a challenger to come in and score an upset, it’s now. But again, the 28-year-old is refusing to get caught napping.

“I’m super excited to fight in front of thousands at Little Caesars Arena, but I’ve had to keep my head down and train,” Shields said. “I might put the makeup and hair and nice clothes on, but I’m not doing anything but focusing on the fight. This is a big moment for Detroit and myself, but the most important thing right now is just winning this fight.”

Again, Cornejo is a good fighter, but she’s not a “beat Claressa Shields” good. Yes, stranger things have happened and boxing is the theater of the unexpected, but odds are that Shields will leave the arena that night with all her belts intact.

But then what? Is her Frazier out there, or will she have to travel the road taken by Floyd Mayweather, an all-time great who never had that all-time great dance partner to produce a series for the ages? That’s a testament to him and what he was able to do in the ring, but there are some who hold it against him that there was no Ali-Frazier, Robinson-LaMotta or Marquez-Pacquiao series on his resume. That didn’t stop him from being a first ballot hall of famer, and it won’t stop Shields from being the same when she retires. And with Shields still a couple years short of 30, there’s still a chance for that rivalry to develop, whether it’s with Marshall, Gabriels, another former foe in Crews-Dezurn, or 154-pound champ Natasha Jonas. Then, maybe she’ll get her just due for what has been a remarkable career, thus far.

“If I was a man, I’d be the face of boxing,” she said recently. “I’ve got more accomplishments than everybody. I’m just gonna keep continuing to build myself and let the world accept me and women’s boxing.”

She’s right. Unfortunately. But maybe one day, that situation will change. Until then, Shields will keep on fighting.

“I’m from Flint, Michigan,” she said. “I want all the smoke. Whoever got the smoke, let’s go. Let’s fight.”

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