“He’s not even worth mentioning,” Gervonta Davis had responded in a now-deleted X post while speaking about Keyshawn Davis as a potential opponent. Keyshawn Davis had been calling out the WBA lightweight champion in the lead-up to his fight against Gustavo Daniel Lemos in November. After a spectacular knockout victory over Lemos at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, the callouts against Tank only became more intense.​

However, in a shocking announcement, a few days ago, Gervonta Davis revealed his intention to retire from boxing after 2025. He was speaking at the official press conference for his March 25 fight against Lamont Roach when he made the announcement. Seeing that his time is running out, Keyshawn Davis is now looking to finally set himself up for a Tank Davis showdown sometime in 2025 and he made it clear during a conversation a few days ago.

Businessman hints at a 2025 showdown with Tank

The Tokyo Olympic silver medalist joined the commentator’s booth at the Emanuel Navarrete vs. Oscar Valdez fight at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday. The clip was shared by Top Rank on their Instagram. Wanting to know about his future plans for the year 2025, the Top Rank commentator seated beside him asked, “I know that your representative Ishmael Henson has had talks without Al Haymon about this very idea. You and Tank? What can you tell me about it ?”

The Virginia native replied, “Yeah, man, I feel like this guy actually wants to fight me. I feel like 2025 will be the year that you will see Davis vs Davis.” When he was asked about what he liked in Tank Davis the most, the 25-year-old acknowledged Tank’s undeniable knockout power.

He explained, “Of course, what he impresses the most with is his knockouts, you know—unbelievable, undeniable power… Outside of that you know, he just, I feel like another good fighter from my perspective you know, his power shows.” When questioned about Tank’s vulnerabilities, Keyshawn Davis didn’t hesitate to assert that he was the key to Gervonta Davis’ downfall.

“Me. I feel like I am his weakness,” he declared. Highlighting his own attributes, the Businessman boldly declared himself to be Davis’ kryptonite, citing his youth, size, energy, and unique style as significant challenges for Tank. “My press conference, my wins, my energy, I’m a younger fighter, my size. I just feel like it’s me in general. My style, how I fight, I am his weakness.” 

A fight with Gervonta Davis would solidify Keyshawn Davis’ reputation as a serious contender in boxing, significantly raising his profile and marketability. However, sadly for him, he has only a year to earn a fight with Tank before his retirement. And if it were up to the Baltimore native’s coach, this fight would be a far-fetched dream.

Gervonta Davis not the right opponent for Keyshawn?

Not long ago, while speaking about Keyshawn Davis as a potential opponent for Tank, his long-time coach Kenny Ellis had another name to suggest instead of the 30-0 boxer. Even though Keyshawn Davis had called out Gervonta Davis, the veteran trainer believed that the undefeated lightweight prospect should first address unfinished business, particularly with Olympic gold medalist and his longtime rival, Andy Cruz.

Ellis emphasized that Keyshawn Davis, despite his potential, should clear the lingering challenge of Cruz, who has beaten him multiple times in the amateur ranks, most important of which was the loss Cruz gave Keyshawn Davis during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Cuban defeated Davis in the finals to take home the coveted gold. Now he has joined the professional ranks by signing with Matchroom Boxing.

Therefore, according to Kenny Ellis, the Virginia native should be focused on avenging his loss to Cruz before seeking a chance against a world champion like Gervonta Davis. He explained the same in a series of Instagram stories a few weeks ago. “The casual fans don’t know what’s really going on; I hope the people of Norfolk, VA, aren’t falling for the trickery. I’m sure the real men of Norfolk want Keshawn to get that smoke back,” read the caption in one of the Instagram stories. “Because that’s what fighters do,” stated coach Ellis in another.

However, Keyshawn Davis remains confident and focused on a 2025 world title fight despite the murmurs from critics. Fans are already buzzing about the potential showdown between the two Davises. Tank, despite his dominance in the lightweight division, has faced criticism for not taking on certain high-profile opponents, such as Vasyl Lomachenko and Shakur Stevenson. With the curtains drawing on his career, a bout with Keyshawn would not only provide a fresh challenge but also add a compelling narrative of youth versus experience and skill versus power.

Do you think he has the tools to upset Gervonta Davis? Who should Keyshawn Davis fight next? Share your thoughts in the comments below!