The heavy hands of Gervonta Davis will be put to the test when he climbs two divisions to face WBA Regular 140lbs belt holder Mario Barrios at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta this weekend.
Baltimore puncher Davis (24-0, 23 KOs) has flitted between the 130lbs and 135lbs weight classes, having KOed Leo Santa Cruz in six at super-feather last October, but is experimenting with a move into 140lbs waters. He is favoured to chop down the rangy Barrios, but the jump does present some risk due to his diminutive stature at just 5ft 5 ½ ins.
Southpaw Davis doesn’t feel daunted by the move and believes he will merit credit as a three-weight champion with a victory though Scotland’s Josh Taylor is the recognised, undisputed champion at 140lbs. He cut a relaxed figure as he conducted a media workout at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta yesterday.
“This is one of my toughest fights on paper. I’ll be ready and hopefully he’ll be ready, and we’ll give the fans what they want to see,” said Davis.
“There is no pressure on me, I am just going out there to do my job. It’s just another day at the job for me. Hopefully he’s ready because I’m definitely ready and we can give the fans what they want to see, which is a knockout.
“[Barrios] is a young champion. I’m going up two weight classes to face him. If they don’t give me the respect after this, I don’t know what I have to do. It’s pretty cool. This is actually the first time I’m fighting at this weight class. Whatever opportunities they give me at 135, or 140, I’ll take them.”
Main image: Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions.