Gervonta Davis has a knockout ratio that hovers around 93%, and is known in the game as one of the most spiteful power punchers around – but a 40-year-old Venezuelan southpaw may hit harder.
Rolando Romero was served his first career at the hands of Davis in May of 2022. The bout lasted six rounds and saw ‘Rolly’ performing better than many had given him credit for in the build up.
That all came crashing down when Davis, back on the ropes, caught his man coming in with a devastating left hook.
GOODNIGHT BROOKLYN 😴@Gervontaa KOs Romero in round 6 with a POWER left hand 😳#DavisRomeropic.twitter.com/O9KPaxRvHi
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) May 29, 2022
Since the fight, ‘Rolly’ has moved up to 140lb and found himself in the fortunate position of fighting for a vacant WBA world title in his first contest at the weight.
He faced Ismael Barroso, who was on a run of four wins in the division. Barroso knocked Romero down in the third round of the title fight with a big straight left.
Ismael Barroso DROPS Romero in round 3 with a left 😳#RomeroBarrosopic.twitter.com/ThKJcoUU6C
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) May 14, 2023
Romero went on to win via wildly controversial ninth round stoppage – one he himself didn’t even agree with – but praised Barroso’s power in the wake of the fight to Fight Hub, branding is much harder than that of Davis.
“Oh [Barroso], I ain’t gonna lie, he punches way harder. When I mean way harder, I mean every punch felt like a damn rock.”
Of course, there’s a 5lb difference in fight weight that should be taken into account, but Barroso has fought down at 135lb and Davis has flirted with 140lb in the past.
It’s unclear where the Venezuelan goes from here, with father time likely ruling out another world title shot before the end of his career.
‘Tank’ is coming off a career-best victory over Ryan Garcia – one which showed his power in full force – and is expected by fans to go on a run of big fights.
As for ‘Rolly’, he’s been ordered to defend his new belt against Ohara Davies this year. Should he be able to keep hold of it, the Davis rematch is one he’s very interested in.