Credit: Steve Marcus/Getty Images

Gervonta Davis sent world champion star into two-year hiatus after savage Knockout of the Year

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Ross Markey | Last updated Oct 31, 2025 5:55 PM ET

Gervonta Davis has racked up jaw-dropping knockouts aplenty during his gold-laden boxing tenure; however, this one goes down as his admitted favorite of all time.

Sharing the ring with polarizing influencer Jake Paul in a scrutinized exhibition fight next month, WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis is not risking his undefeated record against the Ohio puncher.

However, drawing sizable criticizm for holding up the lightweight division off the back of his dubious draw with Lamont Roach earlier this year, Davis’ future in the sport is uncertain.

But if his career is set for a swan song of sorts, the Baltimore star can always lay claim to one of the most devastating finishes in the ring’s storied history.

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Gervonta Davis flattened Leo Santa Cruz with scary knockout

Long-linked to a showdown with Mexican star Leo Santa Cruz during his career in the sport, Davis finally shared the ring with the super featherweight gold holder on this day in 2020.

And fresh from an impressive display to beat Yuriorkis Gamboa the year prior — who had forced a fight with Terence Crawford, Davis returned in spectacular fashion.

Setting up a future pairing with Mario Barrios — who was also forced the distance himself by Manny Pacquiao — Davis scored a wholly brutal win over Santa Cruz.

Gervonta Davis brutally knocking out Leo Santa Cruz in the 6th round with a monster uppercut. This fight was awarded Ring Magazine Knockout of the Year. 31st October, 2020. pic.twitter.com/oLuMCcPkep
— Junior (@yn_mvp) April 2, 2025

Sporting Mexican flag-themed shorts, Davis backed the game Santa Cruz to the ropes in the sixth round, before uncorking a left uppercut from the depths of the canvas, flattening his opponent in a Knockout of the Year finish.

Following the defeat, Santa Cruz would not enter the ring for another two years, rebounding with a decision win over Keenan Carbajal, but has not fought in the three years since.

Gervonta Davis instils fear in Jake Paul

Revered for his hand speed and insane punching power, Davis presents arguably the most dangerous foe Paul has so far faced in the ring — including an aging Mike Tyson.

And just weeks out from their showdown in ‘The Sunshine State’, Davis is at the forefront of his opponent’s mind.

Usually, his confident self ahead of fight night, Paul made a rather telling admission about fight camp preparation, given Davis’ incredible 93% finish rate in the ring.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: