Gervonta Davis‘ recent retirement announcement has garnered attention from every corner of the combat sports world. The announcement took everyone by surprise and is still one of the hottest news floating around. The news took the 140 lbs division by surprise, where almost everyone was waiting to face Tank at some point.

The WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson took the retirement news of his longtime rival personally and in a conversation with FightHubTV even went as far as to call Gervonta Davis “soft.” However, Teofimo Lopez, another one of Tank’s direct rivals, defended the Baltimore native while shrugging off his announcement as nothing but a famous trope used by most boxers, and even dragged in the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Tyson Fury in to make his point.

Teofimo Lopez: It’s all smoke and mirrors

In a conversation with FightHubTV, the Takeover dismissed Gervonta Davis’ retirement announcement as nothing but a publicity stunt. He claimed that the announcement was only to grab everyone’s attention and the way everyone was talking about it; he succeeded in the process. “I think that is to keep everyone in the loop. You know, like we are, everybody is talking about it,” explained Lopez.

He further added that almost everyone in the past has used this strategy. ‘The Takeover’ gave his own example when he too had announced his retirement after defeating Josh Taylor in June 2023. However, that turned out to be nothing but a strategic move. The Brooklyn native also claimed that Tyson Fury’s recent retirement announcement is just that. “It’s a strategy that I’ve used, it’s a strategy that Fury is using right now,” stated Teofimo Lopez bluntly.

While talking about the existing trope in boxing, ‘Takeover’ also spoke about how Floyd Mayweather had used the same strategy to generate greater interest for his next fight. Mayweather announced retirement many times during his career, yet came back when another opportunity presented itself until his official retirement in 2017. “It’s a strategy that has always been done, even Mayweather,” claimed Teofimo.

However, Gervonta Davis’ retirement announcement has created a lot of stir in the lightweight division. There is a frustration amongst the fighters and Shakur Stevenson decided to become the spokesperson for it.

Shakur Stevenson speaks on Gervonta Davis’ retirement

While talking to FightHubTV a few days ago, Stevenson had claimed, “If he wants to retire with the career that he got, go ahead and do what you gotta do. I disagree with it. I think that’s soft!” citing his frustration.

Just like the fans, ‘Sugar’ also believes that Gervonta Davis still has a lot to give to the boxing world. After all, he is just 30-year-old and there would be lots of missed opportunities if he hangs up his gloves now.

The WBC lightweight champion further showed his desire to fight Tank but claimed that he wouldn’t chase him. “I got a lot. I ain’t chasing people around me. If he’s willing to fight, I am ready to fight. I think it should happen. But I got a lot. I can’t chase, trying to make a scene, but no, I don’t need him,” declared Stevenson boldly.

At this point, every boxing fan wants to believe Teofimo Lopez’s statement because Tank has a lot to offer. On the other hand, if he has decided to retire, there is nothing anyone can do. After all, nothing is more important in this world than family.

Do you think Gervonta Davis announced his retirement just to garner attention? Let us know your thoughts down below.