The boxing world’s attention is locked on ‘The Last Crescendo,’ but fans shouldn’t overlook another major event happening next weekend. On March 1, Gervonta Davis will step into the ring to defend his title against Lamont Roach Jr. The highly anticipated PBC-Amazon Prime card is set to take place at Barclays Center in New York. Davis and Roach Jr.’s headliner has already generated significant buzz – perhaps most notably due to Davis’s recent announcement of his potential retirement from boxing.
The Baltimore native has faced criticism for taking on an opponent who had to move up a division for this fight. Nevertheless, despite uncertainties, the event has moved forward and is now just over a week away. On a brighter note, contrary to some expectations, the event is shaping up to be a commercial success. In addition to Davis vs. Roach Jr., the card boasts thrilling title defenses from light welterweight champions Jose Valenzuela and Alberto Puello.
A Familiar Battlefield: Gervonta Davis’ Barclays Center Legacy
Boxing enthusiast @dantheboxingman recently shared an interesting clip featuring Gervonta Davis in conversation with DJ Juanyto, host of ‘HOT 97’ radio. The two caught up while the WBA lightweight champion was training at Headbangers Boxing Gym in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 07: Gervonta Davis punches Hector Luis Garcia in their WBA World Lightweight Championship bout at Capital One Arena on January 7, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
During a break, as Davis signed gloves, DJ Juanyto brought up an interesting statistic: “You know you’re holding the record of attendance and ticket sales at the BARC Center, so, uh, I heard right now you’re at close to that number, and you’re going to break it.”
The statement caught Davis off guard. “Break the number? I broke before?” he asked. When the HOT 97 host confirmed, Davis responded with a pleased, “All right, that’s fire.”
Davis vs. Romero: A Night of Knockouts and Records
According to records, the March 1 bout will mark Davis’s third appearance at Barclays Center. His first fight at the New York venue took place seven years ago when he defeated Jose Pedraza to win his first world title – the IBF super featherweight championship.
May 29, 2022, Brooklyn, New York, USA: GERVONTA DAVIS black and white trunks battles ROLANDO ROMERO in a WBA Lightweight Championship bout at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Davis defeated Romero by way of knockout in the sixth round. Brooklyn USA – ZUMAp109 20220529_zaf_p109_009 Copyright: xJoelxPlummerx
He returned five years later, facing Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero in a WBA (Regular) title defense. Davis secured a sixth-round knockout victory in that bout, which drew nearly 16,000 fans. The event generated a net gate revenue of approximately $4,496,710. Even in terms of pay-per-view performance, the fight did well, selling nearly 275,000 PPVs and generating over $20 million in revenue for Showtime.
With such numbers in mind, it’s surprising to see predictions of a record-breaking performance surfacing even before fight night. But one thing remains clear: Gervonta Davis is one of boxing’s biggest attractions. Fans are more than willing to turn out to watch one of the sport’s biggest stars – especially as he hints at a possible farewell.
What are your thoughts? Do you think the Davis vs. Roach Jr. fight on March 1 could surpass expectations?
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