It might come as a surprise to many but sadly 2025 might be the final year we see the great Gervonta Davis in boxing.
All good things come to an end and then a new beginning in other ways in life.
Sport and boxing is no different. Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis has captured the attention of the world for his vicious knockouts and brilliant fighting ability over the years.
Alas, he can’t stay here for ever though and is here for a good time, not a long time.
People will miss him when he’s gone from boxing. That is for sure.
Speaking in a media scrum after the Lamont Roach presser Davis said:
“Thank you, love you, New York! We love you here. You made us proud, bro. What’s going on, man? T, I know you made a great call following the Tyson fight. Can you tell us exactly why you found it to be that way? Why did you want to fight him? Who told Mike Tyson to fight anyway? Do you think it may have tarnished Mike’s legacy in any way?
It definitely did. Money. Let’s talk about the good things you’re doing outside of boxing. You just built a project in your hometown of Baltimore. How did you come up with that idea, and how did you get it done?
There was also talk about a potential fight with Lomachenko. How close was that to happening? Was that fight ever close to being made?
I don’t think so. I think he just wasn’t in the mood at that time.
You spoke to Steve about potential fights in 2025, and you mentioned that the biggest fights could be the rematch with Ryan Garcia or possibly Devin Haney. Are those the fights you would like to pursue in 2025?
Honestly, I don’t want to see you retire. I don’t think we’re going to see you retire anytime soon.
No, no. I’m talking about after this fight. Could we see you in the ring with Shakur before you retire?
For what? What has Shakur done? What has he accomplished in the sport? He hasn’t done anything yet. You think he’s better than me? Not at all. He’s looking better than he has, but what has he actually done? He hasn’t done anything. I’d rather fight someone who’s actually accomplished something.
What do you say to those who claim you might be afraid to fight Shakur?
Afraid of what? Afraid of what? U.S. fighters don’t get afraid unless someone is hitting us hard. He doesn’t throw punches. He has no offense. Defense doesn’t win fights. Defense doesn’t win in boxing—only offense wins.
Are you losing the love for the sport? How many times do you want to get in the ring next year? If it was your choice, how many times?
Three times. Three fights for sure.
What made you think you were losing your love for boxing? When we saw you talking about retirement, it wasn’t really discussed at that time, and now it seems like something you keep repeating. Is it because of everything you’ve been through in boxing since you were a kid? Do you think you’ll regain the love for it?
You never know. Like you said, you’ve got to spark that passion again.
Hey, Tank’s fighting Lamont Roach on March 1st, by the way.
Really? Yeah, I had that locked in already.
Why does that fight motivate you? Why take a fight like that against Lamont Roach?
I don’t know, man. I guess I’m just trying to get him a check.
Why Lamont Roach, though? Was he just one of the first options available?
I honestly don’t remember how it all went down, bro. I don’t even know how it happened.
So, what’s next for you, hypothetically, if you retire? Would you focus on entrepreneurship, training, or what? Where can we expect to see Tank in the next 3 to 5 years?
I’ll probably focus more on building my brand and just trying to separate myself from the L, you know?
Do you feel it’s harder to find the fights you want now, compared to years ago, since guys are avoiding you?
I don’t even think about that. Me and these other fighters, we’re on different paths. I don’t care about belts or any of that stuff. I’m focused on getting my money and getting out of here.
What makes Lamont Roach a good fighter compared to others you’ve faced, like Frank Martin?
We’ve fought before, so he’s familiar with my style. There’s chemistry there, so it should be a good fight. I don’t think it’ll be a quick knockout; it’s going to be a tough fight, but I’ll do what I do.
What would you rank Lamont Roach in terms of skill compared to other fighters you’ve faced?
I think he has better skills than Frank Martin, for sure. Frank’s bigger, but Lamont has way better skills.
You mentioned knowing your list of future opponents. Can you share who they are?
The list? Probably Ryan Garcia, hopefully. But if it happens, I don’t know. I have a whole year ahead to figure it out.
You said you’d be happy to take that fight at 140. Would you go for another fight at 140, maybe against Teofimo Lopez?
Yeah, I’d definitely take that fight. I think I’d slap the you-know-what out of him.
What do you think about Teofimo calling you out?
What do I think of it? Honestly, I don’t care. If he’s going to get in front of me, we’ll see what happens.
Do you think these guys act tough in public, but will change their demeanor when they face you in person?
They all talk a lot, but when it’s time to back it up, they don’t do much. You see what happened with Ryan Garcia when I called him out on Twitter. He didn’t like that, but when I pushed him, he got emotional. He came at me after that, but nothing happened.
When it comes to making fights, do you think mutual respect plays a role, or is it all just about the trash talk?
It’s a little of both. Some guys come out disrespectful, trying to act wild, like they’re something they’re not. But when you disrespect me, it backfires. That stuff takes away from their greatness.
You said you’d retire eventually, but when that happens, you’ll forever be a legend where you’re from. Does that matter to you?
I don’t care about that. Where I’m from, I’ll always be a G. That’s enough for me.
Is there a reason you keep mentioning retirement? Is it just because you’re fed up with everything?
It’s not just boxing, man. It’s everything—the business side, everything. I’m just tired. But I’m still young, I’ve got kids now, and that’s my focus.
Would you consider a homecoming fight in Baltimore?
Yeah, that could be something. I’m down for that.
What’s next for you after this year, once you’ve had the three fights?
I just want to make my money and stay out of the way. That’s all. I’m living my life.
What’s on your playlist these days?
I’ve got a lot of stuff on there. But with your celebrity status, how do you just disappear and live a normal life sometimes?
I just go off the grid sometimes. It’s about staying low-key.
A lot of kids follow you. Can you send a message to the next generation of fighters?
Stay true to yourself. Keep working hard.
You mentioned having a son—would you let him box in the future?
It’s too dangerous of a sport. He can do something else, for sure.
If you had to choose another sport, which one would you pick?
Soccer.
Who’s your favorite soccer player?
I don’t have a favorite soccer player. I don’t really follow soccer.
You should check out Neymar. He’s a great player.
Yeah, I’ve heard of him. He’s good.”
If they can get Davis in the ring with a big name like Shakur Stevenson or someone else before the end of 2025, if he impresses against Roach that is, then what a run it has been.
He has steam rolled and obliterated anything and everything that has got in his way thus far.
One of the good fellas of boxing.
A good man and a great fighter, no question, Davis.
It is not over just yet, either.
