Eulogy from the basketball court reverberated in the boxing ring. Legend Kevin Durant had nothing but the best of words for his much younger rival, Anthony Edwards. The duo’s on-court rivalry saw a shift as they are all set to play as teammates as part of Team USA at the forthcoming Paris Olympics. However, probably unbeknownst to them, their bonhomie seems to have inspired a pair of gloved hands. Gervonta Davis (now Abdul Wahid) engaged in an online feud with Floyd Mayweather took the opportunity to throw shade at his former mentor.
The WBA lightweight champion made it back to the headlines on account of an open feud with ‘Money’. Fans and followers have been witnessing a series of back-and-forths between ‘Tank’ and his former promoter. However, in Durant and Edwards’ exchange, the young world champion perhaps found a fresh load of ammo. It seemingly helped him get his grouse through. It purportedly showcased how those who have been there and done it should take care of the ones following their journey. The lightweight champion shared a few details in his Instagram story.
“This is how you do it,” Gervonta Davis praises Durant for supporting Edwards
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Kevin Durant was speaking with the media after his side, the Phoenix Suns, lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the first round of NBA playoffs. He said that he was mighty impressed by the 22-year-old Timberwolves shooting guard, Anthony Edwards. Calling Edwards his favorite player he loves to watch, Durant said, “So impressed with Ant. My favorite player to watch. Just grown so much since he came into the league. At 22, just his love for the game shines bright and that’s one of the reasons why I like him the most, because he just loves basketball. He’s grateful to be in this position he’s taking advantage of every opportunity he’s gotten.”
These words gave Gervonta Davis an opportunity to take a subtle dig at Mayweather amidst their heated feud. It may no longer be available as it might have exhausted its timeline. However, per the available screenshots, Gervonta Davis began by saying, “This how you do it….never hate on the ones coming behind you…their success do not hurt what you’ve done.” He further added, “It’s….that’s not settling for less! And you gotta respect it!”
Later, in his message, ‘Tank’ called out both Kevin Durant and Anthony Edwards for the mutual respect they displayed towards each other. “Much love to KD AND ANT YOU A DOG,” he said. But why did Davis make this point?
View this post on Instagram
Gervonta Davis fought under Mayweather Promotions and was mentored by “Money”. However, in 2022, he brought an end to the seven-year association and decided to manage his career by himself. One of the reasons cited was Davis feeling he was not getting the attention he deserved due to Mayweather. In a now-deleted tweet, he even accused Mayweather of being jealous before his bout against Rolly Romero. But there could be another reason for Davis’s recent comments.
Mayweather had called out the obsession of some fighters with aspects of fame and wealth without putting in the hard work. He said, “A lot of times what these fighters are looking at – they’re looking Floyd with the cars, they’re looking at Floyd being flashy. Man listen, I made so many sacrifices. Y’all are looking at the end results.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Seemingly unhappy with the comments the boxing great made about fighters, the Baltimorean launched his attack by calling Mayweather Jr. a ‘hater’. Since then the two have been engaged in a back-and-forth online with Davis even claiming that Mayweather is being held in Dubai.
Davis claimed Mayweather is being held in Dubai against his will over unpaid debts
Replying to Mayweather’s earlier remarks on fighters Davis further added, “N**** say all this bull**** but in Dubai and can’t leave becuz he been taking n***** money and not doing what they paid him to do.” In response, as many reported, Floyd Mayweather Jr. shared dancing footage of Gervonta Davis and stated, “We always knew he had sugar in his tank.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The to-and-fro between Mayweather Jr. and Davis took an intriguing turn when rap legend 50 Cent joined the plot. As most fans are aware, Floyd and 50 Cent share a history. Once friends, their relationship eventually turned bitter. The rap legend replied to Davis’s accusations about Mayweather being held in the Gulf nation and offered to help.
The Mayweather-Davis saga seems to add a new chapter every day. Is this going to lead to a match between the two undefeated boxers? Meanwhile, what do you make of Tank’s praise for Kevin Durant?