Gervonta “Tank” Davis: Speculations and Future Fights
Gervonta “Tank” Davis, at just 30 years of age, is recognized as one of boxing’s elite, yet he’s stirred speculation about his potential exit from the sport. In a recent interview with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s “First Take,” he remarked,
“It’s close,”
hinting that he might not be in the ring for much longer. Davis is set to face Jake Paul in an exhibition bout on November 14, raising questions about what lies ahead for him in his boxing career. Will he truly hang up his gloves after that?
Lamont Roach Jr. and the Lightweight Division
In a shift of focus, Lamont Roach Jr., who battled Davis to a disputed majority draw on March 1, has decided to move forward and is actively seeking a match against Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, another former opponent of Davis. However, the timeline for this fight remains uncertain.
In the lightweight division, Teofimo Lopez Jr., currently the WBO junior welterweight champion, and WBC lightweight titleholder Shakur Stevenson have been engaging in verbal jousts, expressing their desire to meet in the ring. While a mutual agreement has been suggested, the actuality of the fight occurring remains to be seen.
Terence Crawford’s Critical Decisions
On the other hand, Terence Crawford, who recently attained undisputed champion status in the super middleweight class after defeating Canelo Alvarez on September 13, faces critical decisions. He has choices: stay at 168 pounds, drop to his previous weight class of 154, or even move up to the 160-pound division in pursuit of a title in a sixth weight category.
Upcoming Fights and Davis’s Future
Looking ahead to November 22, boxing fans can expect an exhilarating card featuring four title fights, among which Brian Norman Jr. will defend his WBO welterweight title against Devin Haney. Both fighters are aiming to make a significant impact in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the potential for a knockout looms large. Andreas Hale from ESPN tackles these burning questions and assesses the validity of the boxing narrative.
Regarding Davis, there are growing doubts about his commitment to boxing. His comments suggest he is more driven by financial rewards than by legacy. He previously voiced his intent to retire after next year, asserting in an interview with Fight Hub TV that he would step away after 2024. Instead of seeking an immediate rematch with Roach, he has opted for the exhibition match against Paul, likely motivated by the substantial payday that awaits, potentially paving the way for his retirement.
As Davis’s aspirations for big matchups against top contenders like Stevenson, Haney, and Lopez appear dim, a possible high-stakes fight with Manny Pacquiao in 2026 might lure him back into action if it materializes.
Lopez and Crawford’s Future Challenges
Conversely, Lopez has faced skepticism over whether he has avoided difficult opponents; however, history shows he has risen to challenges, such as dethroning Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020 and now looking to face Stevenson. Their anticipated clash has reportedly garnered support at the Canelo-Crawford post-fight press opportunity, with a tentative timeline suggesting early 2026 for the bout.
Crawford’s future is equally nuanced. After making history as the first male boxer to be undisputed in three different weight classes with his win over Canelo, the path forward presents hurdles. Fans have called for him to enter the light heavyweight arena to face stars like David Benavidez and Dmitry Bivol, yet Crawford has shown reluctance to move up again, having only just entered super middleweight after deeming Canelo a relatively small fighter for that class. Though there are fewer established names at 160 pounds, he may pursue a title there if a notable opportunity arises.
Roach’s Quest and Norman vs. Haney
Finally, Roach’s quest for a match following his bout with Davis leads him towards potentially clashing with Cruz, with discussions ongoing. While initial plans to fight Gabriel Flores did not come to fruition, insiders report that both fighters are eager to finalize details for a showdown before year’s end, although location and date logistics are still being worked through.
In contrast, Norman, known for his knockout power—boasting 22 KOs from 28 wins—faces a challenging matchup against Haney, who, despite his recent struggles, remains a highly skilled boxer with exceptional technique. Their bout is likely to unfold as a tactical duel, with the potential for excitement while leaving the judges to play a deciding role.
