Gervonta Davis is often compared to a mini Mike Tyson.
Ever since turning pro in 2013, “Tank” has displayed brute power and turned in a series of highlight-reel knockouts. Of his 27 fights, 25 have ended in KO – a 92.5% knockout ratio. Davis has 114 rounds under his belt, an average of just over four rounds a bout.
Although the hard-hitting 28-year-old hasn’t had to rely on his boxing skills too much, he believes he doesn’t get the credit he deserves for being a master of the sweet science.
Davis kicked off his career with eight consecutive KOs. He scored his first decision win against German Ivan Meraz in a 2014 six-rounder in which he knocked down the journeyman twice. After beating the rugged contender, Davis landed 16 consecutive KOs until meeting Isaac Cruz in Dec. 2021. Davis outlasted Cruz in a spirited and competitive unanimous decision in which he was forced to display more of his boxing skills – albeit with an injured hand. In his recent fight in May, he knocked out Rolando Romero with one punch.
When Davis was asked if his boxing abilities are often overlooked because he’s such a prolific knockout artist, he agreed.
“It's definitely overlooked, for sure. I feel as though I'm probably the most hated fighter, I think so,” said in a Twitter Spaces conversation hosted by @LazyLeftyOG.
Davis will have another opportunity to show his boxing skills Jan. 7 against Hector Luis Garcia at the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. on Showtime pay per view.
The sturdy Garcia is coming off three straight decision victories, including an upset win against Chris Colbert. Davis promised he’s not overlooking Garcia since he has a matchup with Ryan Garcia waiting in the wings.
“I’m just ready to shut everyone up. All the talking that’s going around, I just want to go in the ring and shut them all up,” Davis said during the kickoff press conference of his upcoming fight.
“I’ve always been the guy who stays focused and knows that whoever is in front of me is a threat. We know that [Hector Luis] Garcia is coming. I’m watching him a lot. I know what they’re doing day in and day out.
“This is just me trying to get over that hump. I don’t think of it as a dream come true. I’m not where I want to be yet. This fight is the next step.”
Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer and broadcast reporter. He’s also a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan, via email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or on www.ManoukAkopyan.com.
