Gervonta Davis has made a grim declaration about boxing’s future after opting to face Jake Paul in an exhibition instead of rematching Lamont Roach.
Back in March at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, ‘Tank’ was held to a draw by the unfancied Roach in their battle for the WBA lightweight title. The bout was controversial for a ninth round moment when the champion took a knee, but the referee opted against scoring a fight-deciding knockdown.
He was due to take on Roach again in August, but legal issues got in the way and he has since inked a deal to fight Paul on November 14 in Miami. The fight has proven controversial, particularly given the massive size difference between the pair.
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Gervonta Davis declares ‘boxing is dead’ ahead of Jake Paul fight
At the age of just 30-years-old, Gervonta Davis is very much in his prime and has a number of options in his own weight class at the world level. Aside from the Roach rematch, he is regularly called out by Shakur Stevenson, and could also rematch Ryan Garcia or face Devin Haney up in weight.
However, he doesn’t seem too interested in giving fans, or his fellow fighters, what they want. Taking to X, he wrote: “Boxing definitely did a turn.. It went from this side to that side.. And this s— has no loyalty so why would I care? I move accordingly. BOXING IS DEAD.”
When a fan suggested that he fight Stevenson, he replied: “Lol, that’s how I know it’s hate and jealousy.. Becuz [sic] you not even telling me to fight my rematch..
“Telling me to fight someone else when you got hurt and more s— in the fight.. But y’all d—ing riding his big bro NOW.. Where was this energy 2-3 fights again? You are a real lame. Y’all all are.”