A potential match between Gervonta Davis and Vasyl Lomachenko was supposed to be the next big match-up of 2024 for boxing fans. Two of the top boxers at 135 lbs were supposed to have a lightweight title unification in December. But the negotiations fell through as Lomachenko wanted to take the rest of 2024 off. There were similar issues when it came to other top fights as well. Be it in the case of Shakur Stevenson, William Zepeda, George Kambosos Jr., or even Devin Haney, the fights simply never moved past initial social media callouts. This has led many to claim that Tank has been avoiding top-level opponents for years. Or, maybe the promoters are to blame for the fights not happening.

This claim has now grown stronger with the announcement of Gervonta Davis’ next opponent for December. WBA Super Featherweight champion Lamont Roach Jr. will be moving up a division to face Tank on December 14 at Houston’s Toyota Center. Since the announcement, fans have been slamming Tank and his team for putting together another matchup no one asked for. This sentiment spilled over into an online spat when former Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe decided to defend the upcoming bout.

It ain’t Gervonta Davis’ fault

The dispute began when Ellerbe responded to a compilation video featuring Lomachenko and his promoter, Bob Arum, sharing differing opinions about the fighter’s prospects. The video included a 2017 clip in which Lomachenko contended that a fight with Davis could only happen if Loma were to sign with Showtime, but as he was already with ESPN, the bout wasn’t possible.

One fan quoted the video and questioned how Floyd Mayweather was able to secure major fights with ease, while Tank Davis, despite having almost the same team, with Ellerbe too being a part of it, seemed to struggle to find top-level opponents.

This prompted Leonard Ellerbe to jump in. He stated, “There were all kinds of problems you guys just didn’t know about them. You have no clue,” stating that boxing matchmaking is not an easy task as everyone thinks it is. He further added that in the age of social media where so many things float, fans usually trust the wrong thing and get influenced by it without knowing how fights are made. “Social media has influenced the minds of many like yourself who don’t understand how fights are made,” added the former CEO in the post.

He further stated that it is not always Gervonta Davis’ fault when fights fall through. In some cases, it’s the other part that backs out. “I’ve heard fighters call Tank out knowing they aren’t even available/can’t make fights🤷🏾‍♂️,” stated Ellerbe, pointing to the complexities of scheduling and other issues.

Hopes were high for a mega-fight between Tank and Loma in 2024, but talks collapsed when the IBF Lightweight champion opted to take time off to rest. Ellerbe addressed this as well, dismissing critics who suggested Gervonta Davis was intentionally choosing easier opponents.

Will we ever see a Loma-Tank bout?

Another fan, dissatisfied with Ellerbe’s explanation, pressed him on why the Davis vs. Lomachenko fight was previously canceled. The fan referenced the 2017 video and questioned why Lomachenko was required to sign with Showtime for the fight to happen.

Ellerbe responded by explaining that the matchup didn’t make sense at the time. “We have no problem working w anyone when it makes sense,” he said, adding that the 2024 November fight didn’t materialize because Lomachenko wanted to rest. Ellerbe also acknowledged Lomachenko’s potential retirement, saying, “He’s a great fighter and if chooses to retire that’s good for him and his family. Got to keep it moving,” while also plugging Gervonta Davis’ upcoming bout with Lamont Roach Jr.

A few days ago, rumors of Lomachenko considering retirement sent shockwaves through the boxing world. While nothing has been confirmed yet, if the rumors are true, fans may never witness the dream fight between Tank and the 2012 London Olympics Gold medalist.

What do you think of Leonard Ellerbe’s defense? Is Gervonta Davis intentionally opting for easier opponents, or is there more to the story about why the title fights don’t get made? Let us know your thoughts down below.