Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis is a prominent figure in boxing, known for his knockout power and broad appeal. His claim to be the face of boxing is backed by his impressive performances and popularity. His fight with Ryan Garcia in 2023 was a major financial success, ranking among the top boxing events in U.S. history.
Davis, a 30-year-old WBA lightweight champion, has achieved three-division titles and boasts a 93% knockout rate. He has emerged from Floyd Mayweather’s protégé to become a headline fighter, drawing large crowds across the nation. Davis is a significant pay-per-view draw, comparable to Canelo Alvarez, and has numerous high-profile fight opportunities ahead.
Before his upcoming title defense against Lamont Roach Jr., we examine the key fights that have defined ‘Tank’ Davis’ career, including his dominant win over Garcia and his knockout victory against Leo Santa Cruz.
April 22, 2023 – KO7 vs. Ryan Garcia
The highly anticipated fight between Davis and Garcia was a box-office hit, generating significant pay-per-view buys and gate revenue. Both fighters were known for their knockout power, making a decision by judges seem unlikely. Garcia started aggressively, but Davis remained patient. In the second round, Davis landed a counter left hand that dropped Garcia. Garcia continued to fight back, but in the seventh round, Davis landed a body shot that resulted in a knockout victory.
Despite his confidence before the fight, Davis admitted to pre-fight nerves, acknowledging Garcia’s knockout reputation. Ultimately, Davis secured a decisive win in front of a large crowd.
Oct. 31, 2020 – KO6 vs. Leo Santa Cruz
This fight was considered Davis’ first major test against a four-division champion known for his high activity and durability. Santa Cruz had never been knocked down in his career. Santa Cruz was active early in the fight, outpunching Davis in the initial rounds. However, Davis’ power proved to be the difference. In the sixth round, Davis landed a powerful uppercut that knocked out Santa Cruz, marking a significant moment in Davis’ career and highlighting his knockout ability.
June 15, 2024 – KO8 vs. Frank Martin
Martin was another undefeated opponent for Davis, though less known than some other potential rivals. Martin initially outperformed Davis, winning the early rounds on scorecards. However, Davis gradually closed the distance and began landing power punches. In the eighth round, Davis cornered Martin and landed a combination culminating in a knockout, showcasing his patience and power.
Davis explained his strategy was to let Martin tire himself out before capitalizing, which led to his knockout victory.
Dec. 5, 2021 – UD12 vs. Isaac Cruz
This fight is the only one on the list that went to a decision. Originally scheduled to fight Rolando Romero, Davis faced Cruz as a replacement opponent. Despite being the underdog, Cruz proved to be a tough challenge. Davis sustained a hand injury during the fight, forcing him to rely more on his boxing skills. Cruz pressured Davis, but Davis effectively boxed and countered, securing a unanimous decision victory. This fight demonstrated Davis’ ability to win even without a knockout.
Davis has not gone to a decision since this fight.
Jan. 14, 2017 – TKO7 vs. Jose Pedraza
Prior to this fight, Davis had faced less prominent opponents. Pedraza, the IBF junior lightweight champion, was expected to be a significant step up in competition. Davis entered as the underdog but dominated Pedraza from the start. He landed powerful shots early, and while Pedraza tried to adjust, Davis maintained control. In the seventh round, Davis landed a right hook that led to a TKO victory, earning his first world title and establishing him as a rising star in boxing.
