Is Gervonta Davis The Next Floyd Mayweather Jr?
By: Jared Jones
Gervonta “Tank” Davis is at the top of his game. He is one of the best fighters in the world at his weight class. Davis knocked out Ricardo Nunez who was previously 21–2, finishing Nunez off with a scintillating combination of punches in the second round. The hype around Gervonta Davis is undeniable in the boxing game, partially because he is being promoted by the most recognizable name in the sport, Floyd Mayweather Jr. Mayweather himself said, “If any fighter can surpass me, it’s this young man right here” when asked about Davis. So it’s no wonder the two fighters are being so heavily compared.
First let’s take a look at some similarities: Both have a rare combination of power and speed, both dropped out of high school, both have been arrested for assaults outside of the ring on multiple occasions, and both have been accused of cherry picking their opponents.
Now a major difference: I never remember Floyd Mayweather Jr. being accused of cherry picking until well into his 30’s. Gervonta Davis is a few months shy of his 25th birthday. Mayweather’s last three opponents prior to turning 25 were Diego Corrales, Carlos Hernandez, and Jesus Chavez. His next two fights were both against Jose Luis Castillo. Gervonta Davis has yet to fight anyone of the caliber of the fighters Mayweather faced at this point in his career. Ricardo Nunez had lost two fights to guys that currently have a combined losing record. Nunez’s first fight inside the United States, and only his second fight outside of Panama. Nunez was severely outclassed against Davis. Comparing Nunez to a 33–0 Diego Corrales from 2001 is downright disrespectful, but in essence it’s what people are doing when they compare the career of Gervonta Davis to that of Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Mayweather Jr. and Davis do share some similarities, but most of them stop just short of the squared-circle. On the surface, Davis is starting his career the way Mayweather ended his, far too safely for the true diehard fans that really want to know who the best boxers in the world are. There was a time when we all knew Floyd Mayweather Jr. belonged on that list. At this rate, we will never get to know if Gervonta Davis does.
Throwing Jabs Boxing Podcast: https://throwingjabspodcast.com/
