Andre Ward Defends Gervonta Davis’ Career

Andre Ward has defended Gervonta Davis against critics who argue he should remain in boxing for his legacy.

Ward believes Davis’ career goals are financial, making his career decisions justified. Warde believes his career strategy was influenced by Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s later years: making money, selling tickets, and securing his family’s future. This is defined by Davis’ upcoming exhibition bout against Jake Paul on November 14. Despite the criticism over the huge size mismatch, the fight is expected to bring Davis a massive payday, estimated to be between $40 million and $50 million. 

Warde Reacts

“If his main focus is money, and his main focus is getting out of boxing without getting hurt and retiring on his own terms, shouldn’t his fanbase get on board with that if that’s not even his goal? How can we hold him to something like that if he doesn’t hold himself to that?,” Ward said 

Davis’ career history strongly supports Ward’s theory. Davis chose this high-payday, low-competitive-risk bout over a necessary rematch with Lamont Roach Jr. or a legacy-defining challenge against Shakur Stevenson. His earlier career also showed an inclination towards big commercial events; the PPV clash with Ryan Garcia generated massive revenue and established Davis as a major draw.

However, Davis has taken measured competitive risks when those risks also guaranteed a massive payday. He moved up in weight to fight Mario Barrios for a title at 140 pounds and fought a tough, competitive bout against Isaac Cruz when those were the biggest options available. These fights showed a willingness to test himself for titles in multiple weight classes.