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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 20: Gervonta Davis of The United States celebrates with Floyd Mayweather following victory against Liam Walsh of England in the IBF World Junior Lightweight Championship match at Copper Box Arena on May 20, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 20: Gervonta Davis of The United States celebrates with Floyd Mayweather following victory against Liam Walsh of England in the IBF World Junior Lightweight Championship match at Copper Box Arena on May 20, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
In sports, legends often stand toe-to-toe, sparking unexpected debates. Imagine the heavy-weight query NBA giant Shaquille O’Neal pitched to boxing prodigy Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis. A battle of minds, not fists. The challenge? Would Davis ever face his mentor, Floyd Mayweather, in the ring? Davis’ response was less about punches and more about wisdom.
It’s rare when an athlete turns away from a potential showdown. Odder still when the motive isn’t fear, but respect. What might drive a rising star to shy away from facing his guiding light? Discover Davis’ surprising take on mentorship, competition, and the lines he’s unwilling to cross.
Gervonta Davis picks growth over glory
Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and Floyd Mayweather share more than just a passion for boxing; they share a bond forged through mentorship and mutual respect. Over the years, Floyd, an undefeated champion, has taken Gervonta under his wing, guiding him through the treacherous waters of the boxing world.
During a recent interview, their unique relationship came to the forefront. Shaquille O’Neal, never one to shy away from the big questions, asked, “My question is, you vs your mentor (Floyd Mayweather), exhibition whatever would you do it?” The room seemed to hang on Davis’ response.
Without hesitation, Gervonta replied, “I don’t think I would do it. Because me I always look at, there was time that we could’ve sparred but I always looked at it I can’t learn from him other than being in there and actually fighting him. I always, even when he is training, my main focus is to watch him because I can learn so much from him. And I know myself. When I get in there with somebody, there’s gonna be a time when I wanna hurt him and I would rather not do that then just learn from him.”
The depth of Davis’ respect for Mayweather is evident. Rather than seeing an opportunity for personal gain or a showcase of skills, Gervonta values the learning experience above all. His dedication to absorbing Mayweather’s techniques, strategies, and wisdom speaks volumes about the nature of their relationship. Through this conversation, we see a young athlete deeply committed to his craft, prioritizing growth over glory.
Davis recalls building bonds with Floyd Mayweather before inking the deal
Before they formed an iconic partnership in the boxing world, Gervonta Davis and Floyd Mayweather Jr. had a unique introduction. A resurfaced interview from five years ago, shared by Vlad TV, offers a glimpse into the budding relationship between the young boxer and the legendary Mayweather. When quizzed about the nature of their relationship prior to signing a formal agreement, Davis revealed, “I was with Floyd for the entire summer before putting pen to paper.”
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WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 01: Gervonta Davis talks with Floyd Mayweather (R) back stage before fighting Guillermo Avila of Mexico (not pictured) in their super featherweights bout at the DC Armory on April 1, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Surprisingly, their bond went beyond professional talks. Mayweather, known for his extravagant gifting habits, had already bestowed Davis with cars and jewelry. It’s a testament to the trust and camaraderie Mayweather saw in Davis, even before any official alliance. This early gesture hints at the deep-rooted connection that would go on to define their professional journey together.
While gifts like cars and jewelry can symbolize a lot, the real treasure lies in the trust and camaraderie they’ve nurtured over the years. It brings us to ponder. How often do we come across such genuine bonds in today’s competitive sports industry?
