Home/Boxing

via Imago

via Imago

WBA Regular Lightweight champion Gervonta Davis has experienced both extraordinary victories and legal challenges in the year 2023. Despite showcasing his boxing prowess with victories over Hector Luis Garcia and Ryan Garcia, with the latter fight drawing significant attention and breaking PPV records, Davis now finds himself facing a different kind of fight as he grapples with a recent arrest and subsequent prison sentence.

Davis solidified his reputation as a formidable force in the ring. In addition, his victory over Garcia stole the spotlight. The bout shattered previous PPV records, surpassing one million buys and becoming the most-watched boxing event in recent memory. This complied with ‘Tank’ comfortably winning via a seventh-round knockout cemented him as arguably the best rising star of the sport.

This might be the reason why the 28-year-old was nominated for the BET Sportsman of the Year Award. Davis competed alongside the likes of NBA stars LeBron James, and Stephen Curry, and NFL stars Jalen Hurts and Bubba Wallace. Although the award eventually went to Hurts, this nomination proved the impact Davis had on boxing this year.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

However, Davis was nominated for the award despite being in prison ignited a firestorm of fan reactions. Many fans expressed their frustration and disbelief, questioning the legitimacy of the award show and the criteria for nominations. In addition, the fans did not hold back in expressing their outrage.

Fans outraged after Gervonta Davis gets nominated for an award while being in prison

A user named Rojo Javier claimed that the BET awards were not even a ‘real award show’ according to him. “They ain’t even a real award show lol,” he wrote. Another user named Edgar V was also furious at BET for nominating Davis stating that they did not know the sport at all. “BET don’t know sh*t about boxing,” he wrote.

Moreover, a user named Palemon Hurtado could not understand why ‘Tank’ was being nominated after beating a smaller fighter and a prospect in Garcia. “For beating a 130 pounder and a prospect? Lmao,” he wrote.

A user was quick to point out all the indecencies the boxer committed this year. “For a hit & run Injuring 4 people? Don’t forget the pregnant woman? Keep this man locked up,” he wrote. Another user named Darren Francis wanted undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney to get his props for the year he has been having. “Give Haney props also,” he wrote.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

via Getty

‘Tank’s’ triumphs and legal troubles in 2023 have sparked a range of reactions among fans. While his victories over Hector Luis Garcia and Ryan Garcia drew admiration and excitement, the controversy surrounding his arrest and subsequent prison sentence has led to diverse opinions about his future in the sport. As the boxing community grapples with these developments, fans eagerly await Davis’s return to the ring.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Warns Devin Haney About Gervonta Davis, Cites Adrien Broner Story

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What did you think about Davis’ nomination for the ‘Sportsman Of The Year’ award? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Amid Gervonta Davis and Canelo Alvarez Debate, Teofimo Lopez Settles “Face of Boxing” Debate With Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford Argument