Tank Davis Accused Of Disrespecting Boxing

Gervonta Davis is receiving a lot of criticism over his boxing opponents amid the news that he could box Jake Paul. 

Tank is the current WBA Lightweight Champion, with an undefeated 30-0-1 record. He is coming off the back end of a poor performance, during which many believed he was lucky to come out with a majority draw against Lamont Roach Jr. Davis took a voluntary knee in the ninth round before going to his corner to wipe grease from his face. The referee failed to count that as a legitimate 10-8 round, meaning that Roach was prevented from getting a decision on the scorecards. 

While Roach’s team appealed to the New York State Athletic Commission to overturn the result, the Commission kept the same ruling. They are reportedly set to run things back on August 16. However, there are also suggestions that Davis is looking to line up a lucrative fight with Paul. The Problem Child faces Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in his next fight in June. If Paul comes through that bout, he could box Davis. 

Davis Vs. Paul

However, this would call into question the credibility of the sport, given the difference in weight classes. Davis is a 135-pound fighter, while Paul boxes at cruiserweight. Davis also has many other big fights lined up in his division, should he want them. He could face Shakur Stevenson in a unification bout. There is also the opportunity to face off against Vasiliy Lomachenko, whilst bigger names await him at 140 pounds: Teofimo is the WBO Junior Welterweight Champion. 

Davis could also challenge himself against the likes of David Haney and Ryan Garcia, if a catchweight could be made. The problem is that Paul offers fighters a massive payday. Jake reportedly earned $40 million for his exhibition against Mike Tyson, meaning such a fight for Davis is appealing. 

Tank admitted before the Roach fight that he wanted to retire this year with a view to fighting three more times. The fight with Paul offers him an opportunity to potentially eclipse the purse he earned for the Ryan Garcia fight, which was allegedly $50 million. However, Shakur has slammed Davis for being linked with such a bout, stating that he is now mocking the sport.