In a recent appearance on the Mr Jay Hill Network podcast, Gervonta “Tank” Davis addressed ongoing criticism that he avoids big fights, emphasizing that the narrative is misleading. Davis argued that many fighters call him out publicly, but only when they already have fights lined up—never when they are actually free to negotiate.
Davis pointed out that some fighters appear to be challenging him but are contractually tied to promotional deals that make the fights unrealistic. He suggested that fans, particularly casual ones, don’t see the behind-the-scenes business side of boxing, leading to the misconception that he’s ducking competition.
When asked if he had a specific list of fighters he wanted to take on before retiring, Davis dismissed the idea, saying he’s never been one to call out opponents. However, he made it clear that if a worthy fight is presented, he won’t back down.
Davis didn’t shy away from critiquing other boxers, particularly Shakur Stevenson, stating that while Stevenson has skills, he hasn’t truly been tested against elite competition. He also questioned the hype around some fighters, suggesting that their records might look good on paper but lack meaningful wins.
Davis argued that becoming an undisputed champion isn’t as meaningful as it once was, stating that multiple fighters have achieved it in quick succession due to strategic matchmaking. He credited Top Rank for expertly maneuvering their fighters into favorable positions, implying that some champions have been carefully guided rather than proving dominance through high-risk fights.
While Davis acknowledged that shutting down critics can be a motivator, he personally feels he has nothing left to prove. He compared his situation to Terence Crawford, who was also doubted until he decisively defeated Errol Spence Jr.
Despite his dominance in the sport, Davis reiterated that he plans to retire soon, possibly by the end of 2024. However, he left the door open for major opportunities, hinting that if the right fights materialize, he may delay his exit.
In summary, Davis believes that many of his critics don’t understand the nuances of boxing business and that the fighters calling him out need to prove themselves first before claiming he’s avoiding them.
