Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis returns to action March 1st on Amazon Prime against Lamont Roach.
After that, who knows, he’s said he’s looking at making 2025 his last year in boxing.
Speaking in a media huddle ahead of the Roach fight Tank said:
“Do you expect Lamont Roach to fight on the back foot and box like Frank Martin, or come forward on the front foot?
It depends. That’s why I don’t focus too heavily on his style, because he could change it. He can adapt his approach, so I’m staying prepared for anything.Hey Tank, how has your walk with Islam changed you in boxing, especially since you mentioned going through a lot and seeking therapy?
I’ve pulled back from being in the public eye so much. I was moving too fast, and I’m still learning as I go.What’s been the most challenging part of your journey so far?
Everyone being in your business.What do you want to do after boxing?
Spend time with my kids, make money, and help their dreams grow.You’ve said before that you’d like to fight Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson before retiring. Is that still your plan?
I never specifically said that, but I wouldn’t rule it out.Do you have a specific name in mind for your final fight?
Not right now, but I do have someone in mind to call out after my next fight.Turki (Alalshikh) said he’s got two Ferraris ready for you. What do you think about that?
I need three now.Steven Espinoza said Shakur turned down a one-fight deal to fight you because he wanted a multi-fight deal. What are your thoughts on that?
He’s not worth it. He needs to prove himself elsewhere, like in the UFC or underground leagues.Do you have an idea for your walkout outfit? Will Calvin be with you for this fight?
We’ll see about the outfit. As for Calvin, we’ll have to see.Naoya Inoue said you only have power and nothing else that could give him problems. What’s your response?
I’m not sure he actually said that. If he did, I’d have to see the full context because it sounds edited. There’s no way a boxer like him would make a claim like that.Who do you think is more accomplished in the sport, Lamont Roach or Shakur Stevenson?
Why does everyone keep bringing up Shakur? There are plenty of fighters out there. I’m focused on Lamont.What about the crowd? Did the guy yelling in the back get you fired up?
Not really. People talk, but I stay focused.Are you training differently for this fight compared to others?
Not really.Do you prefer doing press events in DC or Baltimore?
It’s cool having it here in DC. If it were in Baltimore, it’d probably feel a bit more personal, but this is fine.You’ve spoken about wanting to retire and focus on mental health. Do you worry therapy might take away your competitive edge?
I’ve thought about that. I’m even considering going back to school for personal growth.When you first moved to 140 pounds, how did it feel?
It felt different. The punches and gloves hit differently. It slowed me down because I wasn’t used to training at that weight. Even now, the highest I get is around 147 or 158, but I usually walk around at 143 or 140.Will your next fights in 2025 be at 135 or 140 pounds?
It depends, but I’m not a big fan of fighting at 140. I’ll aim to keep them around 135.Thank you, guys.“
Very sensible and calculated Davis there, you can tell he has come a long way in terms of growing outside of professional sport too, well advised, good to see, particularly on not taking the bait on those Inoue comments, of course Inoue knows he is not just punching power, Inoue is well studied on the sport.
Hopefully Al Haymon is still involved (as a manager/adviser for Davis), Haymon doesn’t get enough credit in boxing for what he does for fighters outside of the ring.
Recently a family member of injured boxer Prichard Colon opened up about the lengths that Haymon actually goes to help boxers outside of the ring and after they retire.
As for Davis, good stuff on sticking with 135 lbs. too.
Sensible.
You’d have to imagine the Stevenson fight will be offered to him in 2025, surely a fight for the ages and an instant hit with boxing fans the world over anywhere.
What a fight it would truly be.
