WBA ‘Super’ World super featherweight champion Gervonta Davis has sent out an astonishing ‘SOS’ call to promoter Eddie Hearn – with reports surfacing that the Matchroom Boxing promoter has made overtures to Mayweather Promotions about buying the unbeaten star out of his promotional contract.
Davis, who was last seen in action capturing his second World title against Jesus Cuellar at the Barclays Center in April, has campaigned across his social media platforms in recent weeks to be let out of his existing deal with former pound-for-pound-luminary-turned-promoter Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Using the ‘#FreeTank’ hashtag, the 23-year-old power-puncher tweeted directly to Hearn on Sunday, sending social media into overdrive as rumours continue to circulate of his deteriorating relationship with his current employer.
Backed by a billion dollar deal with streaming platform ‘DAZN’, Hearn has made no secret of his desire to land the Baltimore-native on a co-promotional agreement, and has openly admitted to submitting offers to Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe in the past.
@EddieHearn I heard you made a bigger offer this week bruh bruh…so you want me to fight fight!!!
— Gervonta Davis (@Gervontaa) October 7, 2018
It would appear that the feeling is mutual, with Davis seemingly tempted by the lure of big-money paydays and – perhaps more importantly – an offer of regular fight dates offered by Hearn and his 16-date-a-year model with ‘DAZN’.
Having captured his first World title with a crushing seventh round TKO of now-lightweight champion Jose Pedraza in January 2017, Davis made the first defence of his crown in London; blasting out the over-matched Liam Walsh in three rounds at The Copper Box Arena.
However, ‘Tank’ has boxed just once in the last fifteen months – a period in which he has repeatedly voiced his frustrations over a perceived interference in his affairs from one-time-mentor Floyd Mayweather.
It remains to be seen whether Hearn can put together a suitable package in order to sign Davis – considered the jewel in the crown of Mayweather Promotions – on a co-promotional agreement, similar to a recent deal that saw undisputed cruiserweight kingpin Oleksandr Usyk sign with Hearn alongside promoters K2.
Possessing one of the most watchable, fan-friendly styles in the sport and a colourful character outside of the ring, it is undeniable Davis would be a sure-fire hit with fight fans on both sides of the pond. Should the move come to fruition, boxing fans around the world will undoubtedly be pleased at the prospect of seeing the Baltimore banger in the ring on a more consistent basis.
Over to you, Eddie…