Gervonta Davis’ Stocks Rise as Shakur Stevenson Gets Downplayed by Common Rival

4 min read

WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis has been taking some hits lately, so this should act as a pick-me-up for him. A rival, no, more like someone from the rival’s team, with ties to both Davis and WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson, has weighed in on a potential showdown between them—and Stevenson might not like what he had to say.

Both Stevenson and Davis had their first fights of 2025. While Stevenson did what was expected of him when he defeated Josh Padley in February, Tank Davis barely managed to save himself from a loss when his fight with Lamont Roach Jr. came to a majority draw. However, this sudden and surprising dip in the 30-year-old’s performance hasn’t slowed down the conversation around Davis vs. Stevenson.

The pair have been on each other’s case on social media and media interviews on several occasions, but it has never materialized into an actual fight between them. So, to fill that gaping hole in everyone’s hearts, YSM Sports Media collected opinions on the fight from Egis Klimas, Vasyl Lomachenko’s manager. When asked about which fight would be more significant, Klimas seems to have sided with Davis.

Gervonta Davis | via Imago

“What is Shakur?” He asked while lowering his hand to show Stevenson’s level, adding, “What is a Tank?” indicating Tank’s superiority. It’s worth mentioning that Gervonta Davis was originally in talks with Loma for a unification fight last year, but things quickly fell apart after the Ukrainian boxing veteran unofficially stepped away from the sport. Regardless, Lomachenko’s manager claimed, “Skill & financially [Tank is a better opponent].”

“He is a much better fighter, I think. Shakur is a very good fighter, but he goes in a shell he walks away…runs away [in his fights],” Klimas continued. “Tank comes to fight. [Tank] is a more interesting, much more intriguing fight.” He also highlighted that Davis would be a bigger opportunity for Lomachenko than Stevenson.

While the IBF lightweight champion’s manager thinks Davis is the better fight for the Ukrainian, someone else disagrees.

Ryan Garcia’s father claims Gervonta Davis is past his prime

Henry Garcia, the father of Ryan Garcia, believes Gervonta Davis is almost done after his lackluster performance against Lamont Roach Jr. on March 1. Davis, known for his power and explosiveness, appeared sluggish and hesitant, which clearly didn’t go his way. Garcia, who watched Davis brutally stop his son in 2023, noticed a stark difference this time around. “His age is catching up to him,” Garcia told Fight Hub TV. “The legs aren’t there as they used to be. He switched his trainer, which could be another factor.”

NY: Gervonta Davis v Ryan Garcia – press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz Ryan Garcia attends the Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia boxing match press conference at the Palladium Times Square in New York, NY on March 8, 2023. New York Palladium Times Square NY USA NOxUSExINxGERMANY PUBLICATIONxINxALGxARGxAUTxBRNxBRAxCANxCHIxCHNxCOLxECUxEGYxGRExINDxIRIxIRQxISRxJORxKUWxLIBxLBAxMLTxMEXxMARxOMAxPERxQATxKSAxSUIxSYRxTUNxTURxUAExUKxVENxYEMxONLY Copyright: xEfrenxLandaosx Editorial use only

The trainer change was notable, as longtime coach Calvin Ford was seemingly demoted while Barry Hunter took over. While Davis may seek redemption in a potential rematch, Garcia insists he has no choice. “There’s no way you can say that Tank won,” Garcia Sr. added. “There’s no way.”

Days after the fight, people remain on opposite sides about Gervonta Davis. Whether he decides to redeem himself is yet to be seen, but if he doesn’t, people may make it his legacy. What are your thoughts on Klimas’s comments about Tank?

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