With his explosive power and undeniable mainstream appeal, Gervonta Tank Davis has solidified his status as a leading figure in the boxing world. His recent fight against Ryan Garcia not only showcased his skill but also made headlines as the fifth-largest gate in U.S. boxing history. At just 30 years old, Davis holds the title of WBA lightweight champion and has proven his prowess as a three-division champion, boasting an impressive 93% KO-to-win ratio.
Initially stepping into the limelight as a protégé of boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, Tank Davis has successfully carved out his own identity in the sport. He has consistently drawn in crowds across the United States, delivering a series of breathtaking performances that have left fans in awe. As a proven pay-per-view attraction, Davis now stands alongside iconic fighters like Canelo Alvarez, but he has an array of exciting options for future megafights on the horizon.
As anticipation builds for his upcoming title defense against Lamont Roach Jr. at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on Saturday (8 p.m. ET, Prime Video PPV), we take a closer look at some of Tank Davis's most notable performances that have defined his career. His fights against Garcia, Leo Santa Cruz, and others have not only showcased his ability but have also contributed to his growing legacy in boxing.
In a highly publicized matchup between two young knockout artists, Davis faced Ryan Garcia in a fight that became a box-office sensation. The event garnered approximately 1.2 million pay-per-view buys and a staggering $22 million gate, firmly establishing Davis as a contender in the "Face of Boxing" discussion after his seventh-round stoppage victory. Both fighters entered the ring with an extraordinary history of knockouts, setting the stage for an explosive encounter.
From the onset, Garcia pushed the pace, landing 10 of 53 punches in the first two rounds. However, Davis, known for his patience, waited for the perfect moment to strike. In Round 2, he caught Garcia with a counter left hand that sent him crashing to the canvas. Despite the setback, Garcia rallied, continuing to press the action until Round 7 when a devastating body shot from Davis led to a delayed reaction knockout. Reflecting on the fight, Davis admitted to feeling nervous, highlighting the respect he had for Garcia's knockout power.
Davis faced one of his toughest challenges to date against four-division champion Leo Santa Cruz. This fight was pivotal, as many considered it a true test of Davis’ abilities. Santa Cruz, known for his relentless style, threw a staggering 241 punches compared to Davis' 160 in the initial rounds. Yet, as the fight progressed, Davis began to find his rhythm and close the distance. In the sixth round, he delivered a thunderous left uppercut that knocked Santa Cruz out cold, marking a definitive moment in Davis' rise to stardom.
In another significant match, Davis squared off against undefeated fighter Frank Martin, who posed a high risk with little reward. Despite a slow start where Davis lost the first three rounds on the judges' scorecards, he demonstrated his trademark patience. By the fourth round, he began to capitalize on openings, ultimately landing a powerful left uppercut in the eighth round that led to his 28th knockout victory. Post-fight, Davis reflected on his strategy, emphasizing his ability to tire out his opponent before delivering decisive blows.
In a fight that showcased his technical skills, Davis faced Isaac Cruz when original opponent Rolando Romero was unable to compete. Despite being a significant favorite, Davis encountered a tough challenge from Cruz, who applied relentless pressure throughout the bout. Suffering a hand injury during the fight, Davis was forced to adapt his strategy, relying on his boxing skills to secure a close unanimous decision victory. This fight was a turning point, allowing fans to see Davis fight from the back foot and set up counters rather than pursuing a knockout.
Beginning his ascent, Davis faced then-IBF junior lightweight champion Jose Pedraza in a highly anticipated matchup. Entering the ring with a perfect record of 16-0, Davis needed to prove himself against a formidable opponent. He did so emphatically, dominating the opening round with precise hooks and uppercuts, ultimately earning a seventh-round TKO victory. This fight not only showcased Davis' punching power but also established him as a serious contender in the sport of boxing.
As Gervonta Tank Davis continues to solidify his legacy in boxing, fans eagerly await his next move, especially as he prepares for his upcoming title defense. With a string of impressive performances under his belt, Davis is undoubtedly a fighter to watch in the boxing arena.
