Why is Gervonta Davis retiring? The Baltimore native has revealed that he has grown tired of the sport and wants to get away from it all. But not everyone is buying it. Floyd Schofield Jr.’s father, Schofield Sr., has thrown some serious shade, suggesting that Davis isn’t retiring because he’s done with the sport—but because he’s dodging a fight with his son.

‘Kid Austin’ is slated to square off against WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson on February 22nd, part of one of the most stacked cards of this year. It will be the biggest fight of his career as Schofield Jr. prepares for his first-ever title fight. In the meantime, the 22-year-old has managed to turn some heads with performances.

Some would even say he is one of America’s top-rated boxing prospects. While the Jersey City native hasn’t fought someone of Stevenson’s caliber yet, he has been in the ring with the biggest names in the game. He sparred with former WBC super lightweight champion Devin Haney, former world champion Shawn Porter, and even Stevenson in the past. 

Schofield Jr. was also part of Davis’ camp for two fights, but never actually exchanged blows with the Baltimore puncher. Schofield Jr.’s father seems to think they never will! While speaking to talkSport recently, Sr. revealed a private conversation he had with Davis. “Gervonta said ‘I would never get in the ring with that guy’.” 

He even seems to have predicted Davis’ retirement, suggesting Davis made the decision because of his son. “And two years ago I told the world that when Floyd gets up to that level where he’s a mandatory to Gervonta, Gervonta will retire,” he added. “And that’s exactly the same thing that is happening right now.”

While giving props to Shakur Stevenson for stepping up for the fight, Schofield Sr. claimed, “Everybody else who has seen Floyd [ducked him]. He buckled Devin Haney [in sparring] and Devin ran up two weight classes to get away from him.” He also roped in JoJo Diaz, suggesting he made excuses to avoid fighting his son. 

“I’m not saying he is the greatest now, but I’m saying through the lessons and experience, he’s going to become the greatest boxer of all time,” Schofield Sr. told talkSport. ‘Kid Austin’ is currently ranked No. 2 lightweight by the WBA, so he was close to getting that mandatory shot. And before he landed Stevenson as an opponent, he was eager to face Davis. 

Top Comment by Lopez50

I don’t think Tank is dodging anyone, I don’t think tank is afraid to fight anyone, I think tank would...more

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Floyd Schofield Jr. revealed he is not scared of Gervonta Davis

Before he defeated Rene Tellez Giron in November, Schofield Jr. appeared in an interview with Michelle Joy Phelps on Fight Hub TV. Phelps asked the 22-year-old if he felt ready to fight Davis, especially given their close WBA rankings. “In my opinion, I am not scared of nobody, I don’t think nobody fears him [Tank] or these other fighters,” Schofield said. 

Davis is supposed to square off against Lamont Roach on March 1st in Brooklyn, New York. However, Schofield Jr. claimed he should have been the one fighting Davis. “I should have got the fight before Lamont Roach but that is my opinion,” he said. “If next year the opportunity presents itself, we’ll be more than ready.”

However, since Schofield Jr. has taken the WBC route to fight Stevenson, a fight against Davis may have been lost—that is unless he beats Stevenson next month. 

It appears Floyd Schofield Sr. truly believes Gervonta Davis feared his son and opted to retire rather than fight him. Even though that sounds far-fetched unless Davis decides to accept the challenge, there’s no disproving the claims. Do you think Davis is scared of Schofield Jr.?