Helluva fighter: Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis Not The Same as he Was

Mike Tyson offered only one caveat when waxing lyrical about Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis to reporters this week, ahead of his Mike Tyson Invitational amateur event in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Davis appeared set to become one of boxing‘s most important figures with rising box office numbers and reliable ticket sales across numerous key markets in the United States, including a thumping knockout win over Ryan Garcia in 2023.

However, the diminutive fighter has not boxed for a year — since his disputed draw against Lamont Roach Jr. Since then, he was linked with a crossover bout involving the internet sensation Jake Paul, but Netflix — or, indeed, Paul’s company Most Valuable Promotions — nixed the show after civil and legal issues came to light regarding allegations of domestic violence against ‘Tank’.

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That hiatus may be over, with Davis linked with a summer return against former opponent Isaac Cruz, with a rematch possible, per reports.

For Tyson, there is no question over the Baltimore boxer’s excellence, however, he openly wonders whether he’s as serious today about the sport, as he used to be.

“He’s a great fighter especially when he’s serious about it, and I don’t know if he’s as serious as he used to be.”

Tyson continued: “When he’s serious, he was a helluva fighter and nobody came close.”

Davis has long been associated with Shakur Stevenson, one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the sport today, and a boxer whom is riding tremendous momentum of late with back-to-back victories over William Zepeda and, most impressively, Teofimo Lopez, in the last 12 months.

A match-up between Davis and Stevenson is one of the best bouts boxing could possibly book.

“He’s the only one I’d give a chance against Shakur,” Tyson said. “They’re scary fighters [Stevenson and others who box like him] because they’re sophisticated, but Tank is a force of nature. He’s the f****** man.

“It’ll be interesting, if Shakur handled this guy like Lopez… this is when I know it’s over for you if you fight Shakur [puts his gloves up], and you’re looking at him. That’s how I know it’s over. You need to bring constant action. Be on him constantly. Otherwise he’ll pick you apart.”

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While he fields a barrage of questions outside the ring, few doubt what Gervonta Davis can still do inside it.

Mired in legal cases, his personal life has raised concerns about his future. Even so, some, like Mike Tyson, believe that if he regains his focus, Tank may be the only fighter capable of beating Shakur Stevenson and Keyshawn Davis.

In Davis’s absence, the landscape at 135 pounds and in the divisions above has shifted. With wins over formidable opponents like William Zepeda and, most recently, Teofimo Lopez, Stevenson has cemented his place among the sport’s most recognizable names. Though he hit a few bumps early, Keyshawn Davis has also emerged as a serious contender. Still, Tyson feels that, despite their skills and ring IQ, the two would have their hands full against Gervonta Davis, who is back in the headlines amid talks of a potential rematch with Isaac Cruz.

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“He’s (Tank) a great fighter. He is a great fighter,” Tyson told a reporter. “You know, certainly when he’s serious about it, you know, I don’t know if he’s as serious as he used to be, but when he was serious, he was a hell of a fighter that nobody came close to.”

“He’s the only one I gave a chance against Shakur and that guy, Keyshawn Davis,” he added. “They’re scary fighters, too, because they’re sophisticated. The other guy is sophisticated and mean, but Tank is just a force of nature, you know. You just have to give him the credit, you know? Even though he talks sh*t and stuff, he thinks he’s the f**king man.”

This praise, however, comes at a turbulent time in Davis’ career. Known for finishing fights inside the distance, Davis, aptly nicknamed “Tank,” has often drawn comparisons to a young Mike Tyson. But the controversial draw against Lamont Roach Jr. intensified scrutiny, and his legal troubles kept him in the spotlight.

Against that backdrop, recent reports suggest the Baltimore native, now a WBA “champion in recess,” could be working toward a return. His team, including longtime trainer Calvin Ford, has indicated the same.

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“He ain’t gone nowhere. ‘Tank’ is still here,” Ford told The Rize Podcast. “… When he comes back, it’s got to be the right fight because we want to entertain…” He will be back in the mix. Y’all got to remember ‘Tank’ has been doing this sh*t since he was seven years old. Sometimes you need that reset… Going through the things that he’s been going through… he looks happy.”

While Ford stopped short of naming an opponent, speculation followed quickly. Reports surfaced that Davis could be targeting a midyear comeback with a Pit Bull rematch under consideration.

Tyson’s optimism and confidence in Davis’ abilities are understandable. Still, it warrants caution. He’s attempting a comeback while carrying significant baggage, and the division has not stood still. Meanwhile, Floyd Schofield and Lucas Bahdi will now compete for the position he once held in the lightweight hierarchy.

If Davis intends to chase fights with Shakur Stevenson, Keyshawn Davis, or, for that matter, any other big name, he will need to build his standing step by step. He remains a recognizable name, but the hype has faded. It may take some time before he is positioned for a marquee showdown. But by that time, whether Stevenson or Davis will still be waiting is an entirely different question.