Mike Tyson doesn’t buy into the comparisons made between him and Gervonta Davis – although does say they have one thing in common outside of the ring.
‘Iron’ Mike holds the record of the youngest fighter ever to win the world heavyweight title, and finished his career with 44 knockouts from 50 wins.
The heavyweight great has been compared to many fighters over the years – some more apt than others – and most recently that’s been Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis.
Despite the rough 100lb difference in fighting weight, fans discuss the two as similar likely because of a fearsome punching power going up against opponents who are, more often than not, bigger.
Davis is 28-0 with 26 knockouts, known for his excellent movement and calculated counters in the ring. He is, by most accounts, one of the most exciting stars in the sport.
Tyson – despite branding ‘Tank’ a future legend recently – doesn’t believe they’re similar in the ring. He told Fight Hub that there is an extracurricular comparison to be made, though.
“I don’t know. Maybe just getting in trouble with the law. Other than that, no.”
Tyson was sentenced to six years in prison in 1992 after being convicted of rape, and spent what some recognise as the prime of his boxing career behind bars. It wasn’t his only run-in with the law – just the standout from a troubled period.
Davis has had his own share of legal issues, most recently a guilty plea stemming from a hit and run case that saw four people injured.
It was thought that the verdict may impact his super fight with Ryan Garcia, however sentencing has been pushed back until May, allowing the April 22 scrap to go ahead as planned.
If their movements outside of the ring can be compared, fans will hope that Tyson’s mellowing over the years will be reflected in ‘Tank’s journey, too.