Self-proclaimed ‘face of boxing’ Gervonta Davis stands out as one of the most talented active fighters in the sport but his recent résumé has left fans wanting. Now, he and Artur Beterbiev’s team have exchanged words after his career was critiqued.
‘Tank’ has held world titles in three weight-classes during his 30-fight undefeated career and he has scored wins over the likes of Ryan Garcia, Leo Santa Cruz and Mario Barrios in the past.
However, as the reigning WBA lightweight title-holder, fans were hopeful that the Baltimore sensation would seek to unify the 135lb titles against either Shakur Stevenson, Vasyl Lomachenko or Denys Berinchyk.
Instead, with his fellow champions appearing to have other plans, Davis has opted to defend his belt against WBA super-featherweight champion Lamont Roach, rather than fight a contender that is a natural lightweight – much to the disappointment of fight fans around the globe.
In an interview with Norbes It All Network, John Scully, trainer of recently-crowned undisputed light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev, declared that Davis would not be worthy of hall-of-fame status if he hung up the gloves at this point in his career.
“No, [if he retired now I wouldn’t consider Davis as a hall of famer], and you know what? In this era and the way that they do things – [he] probably [would be].
“For me, the hall of fame has always been the elites of the elites. You are talking Sugar Ray Robinson, you’re talking Henry Armstrong, Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Leonard, Muhammad Ali.
“I don’t want to say any names but there are guys that are in the hall of the fame that absolutely positively there is no way on earth that they should be in the hall of fame. Zero.”
In response, ‘Tank’ has taken to social media to say the same of Beterbiev, before disregarding the talent of the Canadian-Russian.
Gervonta Davis blasting Artur Beterbiev in response to a comment from Beterbiev's coach John Scully who said Tank wouldn’t get into the Hall of Fame if he retired today… pic.twitter.com/Qfjj7xxiTK
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 17, 2024
“That big strong a** goofy that he train [is] not a hall of fame fighter and he’s a**.”
Davis will fight Lamont Roach on December 14th at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, topping a card that is expected to feature a salivating rematch and an intriguing additional world title contest.
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