

WBA lightweight champ Gervonta Davis might have a blemish on his perfect record now, but don’t think for a second that makes him an easy target for WBC champion Shakur Stevenson. At least, that’s the word from legendary trainer Abel Sanchez, who believes a showdown between these two would be anything but a walk in the park!
If you have been keeping up with the latest in boxing, you would know that Tank suffered his first career draw earlier this month against WBA super featherweight champion Lamont Roach Jr. in New York. The fight itself is mired in controversy after the Baltimore native decided to take a knee in the ninth round of the fight, which saw a no-knockdown ruling from referee Steve Willis. The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) stepped in to investigate the incident and decided against overturning the majority draw decision despite a request from Roach Jr. to do so. Regardless, there’s no denying that it was the worst performance Davis had in his professional career—either because of Roach Jr.’s skills or just a bad day at the office.
Since the fight, many have questioned whether Davis could beat Stevenson—who have been pitted against each other for years, at this point. Though a fight between them still doesn’t seem to be a possibility, Sanchez thinks Tank Davis would still get the better of Stevenson if the fight were to happen. “Obviously Shakur against Padley was a little bit different than Shakur against Lamont or Gervonta,” Sanchez told Fight Hub TV.
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via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 01: Gervonta Davis punches Lamont Roach Jr. during their bout for Davis’ WBA lightweight title at Barclays Center on March 01, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
It’s worth noting that Stevenson is coming off a ninth-round technical knockout win over previously undefeated Josh Padley. The Englishman stepped up to fight Stevenson at the eleventh hour after Floyd Schofiled Jr. pulled out, citing illness. Nonetheless, Sanchez noted that despite Gervonta Davis’ lackluster performance, “I think that it could be a letdown for Shakur.”
“But Padley fought a good fight,” Sanchez added. “I still like Gervonta over both guys. I think Lamont kind of positioned himself in a tie for me with Shakur. Shakur has to be a little more forceful to deal with these guys. I don’t think that his… approach to the fight cannot stay the way that it is now and be able to deal with a Lamont or with Gervonta.”
Despite picking Gervonta Davis to win over Stevenson in a potential fight, Sanchez praised Stevenson for his skills, noting, “Very skilled though, oh my gosh.” Furthermore, Davis is expected to fight Lamont Roach Jr. in a rematch to settle their first fight, and both boxers seem open to the idea. Meanwhile, Stevenson has also expressed openness to the idea of fighting Roach Jr. in case the Davis rematch doesn’t happen.
While Sanchez might be convinced Davis would beat Stevenson in a fight, the Newark native doesn’t fear Davis’ power.
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He knows tank don’t wanna be loosing to someone that’s gonna be hit and running 12 rounds and be declared...more
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Shakur Stevenson doesn’t think Gervonta Davis can touch him
Shakur Stevenson is convinced that Gervonta Davis won’t be able to lay a glove on him. After dominating Josh Padley this past weekend and scoring a ninth-round stoppage, Stevenson turned his attention to Davis, questioning how the WBA champion would find success against him. “How is he gonna hit me? How is he gonna land his punches on me?” Stevenson asked reporters.

via Imago
April 8, 2023, Newark, New Jersey, USA: SHAKUR STEVENSON celebrates after defeating Shuichiro Yoshino in a WBC Lightweight Final Eliminator bout at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Newark USA – ZUMAp109 20230408_zaf_p109_006 Copyright: xJoelxPlummerx
Known for his impeccable defense, Stevenson believes he has studied Davis enough to nullify his power. He has watched Davis closely for years and even shared the ring with him in the past. “I done watched how many Gervonta Davis fights? I done been in the ring with him before, I know a lot of things, I can’t wait for it to happen,” he added.
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With Lamont Roach Jr. exposing the holes in Davis’ armor, despite Sanchez’s prediction, it’s not hard to imagine Shakur Stevenson getting the upper hand against the Baltimore native. Even though people swear by Davis’ abilities, the truth is his resume is carefully manufactured, and if it’s not, he should fight Stevenson to prove the critics wrong. Do you agree with Sanchez? Or do you see Stevenson taking Davis on a tailspin?
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Debate
Can Shakur Stevenson really dodge Gervonta Davis' punches, or is he underestimating 'Tank'?