‘Canceled’—the caption stunned everyone. Most of the fans are eager to see Gervonta Davis square off against Shakur Stevenson. A face-off between ‘Tank’ and any other champion would still excite them. Despite the initial shock, most fans came to terms with the fact that Lamont Roach Jr. would be stepping into the ring. The title defense has already faced a postponement. So most geared themselves for the rescheduled March 1 showdown. But in came another shocker.
The Baltimorean’s Instagram story featured the word: ‘canceled’. It didn’t take much time before rumors that Davis had been hinting at the upcoming Roach Jr. fixture took off. On the other hand, appearing unruffled, Lamont Roach Jr. went about his business—the fight was on. Perhaps Davis, who had already shocked the boxing world with his retirement plans, was going through a momentary phase. Through a recent post, however, Gervonta Davis seemingly eased concerns. After paying tribute to a close associate who passed away a few years ago, he signaled his return to training with a renewed flair.
Gervonta Davis back with renewed zeal
Boxing Kingdom recently shared a photo of Gervonta Davis. It featured him relaxing on a couch. With locks of hair falling across his face, a ponytail distinguished him. Many fans likely recall the Baltimore-born champion wearing his signature braided hairstyle.
The photo appeared on ‘Tank’ Davis’ Instagram post as well. Alongside a few other images, the account featured the Baltimorean inside the gym. Just a day ago, he had shared a photo of late Baby Frank and trainer Calvin Ford in a warm embrace.
“I do this out of love💜; it just comes off as anger… If you felt any type of pain, it’s supposed to turn you up! #TheONE March 1st #LongLiveMyBigBro,” read his message. Baby Frank used to train alongside Gervonta Davis at the Baltimore-based boxing gym. Sadly, street violence abruptly ended his life a few years ago.
A journey full of twists and turns
The lead-up to the Lamont Roach fight has been filled with drama. Following the Frank Martin clash, the potential Vasyl Lomachenko line-up fell apart during talks. Hopes for a fight against WBC champion Shakur Stevenson emerged, only to fade as time passed.
Though taken by surprise, fans eventually accepted the matchup against Lamont Roach Jr. Following the upset defeat to Jamel Herring five years ago, the Washington D.C. native rebounded and finally secured a world championship after defeating Hector Garcia in November 2023.
Initially slated for December 14 at Houston’s Toyota Center, organizers rescheduled the fight to March 1, and the venue changed to the Barclays Center in New York. The biggest shocker came when Davis revealed his plans to retire from boxing before 2026.
With just two months left, things appear to be getting back in the groove. Gervonta Davis remains the heavy favorite to win the bout. But there are a few who feel that the Baltimorean may not get the benefit of a walkover this time. During an interview, ‘Tank’ Davis’ former sparring partner shared that Roach Jr. could follow in the footsteps of Isaac Cruz and German Meraz, taking Davis the whole distance instead of yielding to an early stoppage.
What about you? Do you think Gervonta Davis’ decision to hang the gloves might be a decision taken in haste? Or is it just a momentary phase?
