Gervonta Davis Rejecting $20 Million Offer to Fight Devin Haney Has Painted Unfavorable Picture and There Is Only One Ultimatum

Gervonta Davis’ decision to sidestep a $20 million offer for a showdown with Devin Haney continues to resonate in the boxing community. This move, a strategic retreat rather than a direct advance, was unveiled by Haney’s camp and confirmed by promoter Eddie Hearn, sparking widespread discussions and speculation. But what chess piece will Davis move next in this high-stakes game?

The intrigue isn’t just in the rejection; it’s in the why. While Haney rises as the WBC super lightweight champion, Davis’ move is baffling to many. This twist in Davis’ tale is more than a jab–it’s a narrative uppercut, leaving fans and critics wide-eyed. Could this be a strategic pause before a more significant play, and if so, what could that move be?

Davis, Haney, and Hearn’s chess game

In the intricate dance of boxing negotiations, Gervonta Davis’s decision to reject a $20 million fight against Devin Haney is a pivotal move. Bill Haney, father, and coach of Devin, expressed disbelief, “Bro, you didn’t turn down 20 million, bro? 20 million!” His incredulity echoed through the boxing corridors, spotlighting the gravity of the offer.

Eddie Hearn, known for orchestrating some of the biggest fights, confirmed the magnitude of the proposal, adding layers to the saga. “It’s more than $20 million!” he exclaimed in an interview. This revelation by Hearn, a key player in boxing promotions, indicates the substantial financial and career opportunity at stake.

Gervonta Davis, however, stands firm in his decision. In a now-deleted tweet, he indicated he would indeed turn down that offer, but claimed that Haney wasn’t really in talks. “You still listening to that old sad n***a? Bill can’t even reach the n***a he need to talk to, but for sure I’m turning down 20 mill guaranteed.” This statement not only highlights Davis’ stance but also hints at underlying complexities in the negotiation process.

Moreover, Davis’ indirect communication suggests a strategic approach, perhaps aiming for a higher stake or a different opponent. This move, while puzzling to many, fits into the larger, often opaque world of boxing negotiations, where every decision can be a feint or a setup for a bigger play. So what should Davis do though?

The logical ultimatum: Steering clear of Haney for now

Amidst the swirling speculation and heated debates, a logical ultimatum emerges for Gervonta Davis: sidestep the fight with Devin Haney. This tactical pause aligns with the growing clamor for a Haney-Ryan Garcia showdown, increasingly viewed as a marquee event.

Eddie Hearn, adept at reading boxing’s undercurrents, implicitly supports this notion. “The numbers have got to make sense for everybody,” he stated, suggesting that the Haney-Garcia fight might offer a more lucrative and appealing prospect. This sentiment resonates with the pulse of boxing enthusiasts who eagerly anticipate this potential clash.

Fans and critics alike are vocal about the draw of a Haney-Garcia fight. Social media buzzes with opinions, mirroring the sentiment that this bout could overshadow a Davis-Haney matchup in terms of excitement and revenue. “This is a big money fight for Ryan’s side,” said Devin Haney, emphasizing the commercial appeal.

In this context, Davis’s decision to reject the Haney offer seems less like a dodge and more like a strategic positioning. By allowing Haney and Garcia to take center stage, Davis not only sidesteps immediate scrutiny but also opens up the possibility of facing the victor in a high-stakes, high-reward scenario. This approach, while cautious, is a testament to the chess-like strategy that often defines boxing careers. Let’s see who Gervonta could face instead.

Potential pathways: Davis’ alternatives beyond Haney

While the Haney bout fades, Gervonta Davis’ fight landscape remains fertile with intriguing possibilities. The foremost among these is a rematch with Isaac Cruz, a prospect already generating buzz in the boxing world. This rematch, slated for the PBC on Amazon launch in early 2024, promises to be a significant event. Their first encounter saw Davis pushed to his limits, ending his 16-fight knockout streak in a full twelve rounds. A sequel to this intense battle offers Davis a chance to reaffirm his dominance.

In addition to Cruz, legendary promoter Bob Arum casts a wider net, suggesting other formidable opponents. Arum’s perspective carries weight, considering his decades in boxing. “All three I think would beat Davis,” Arum opined, referring to Shakur Stevenson, Teofimo Lopez, and Vasyl Lomachenko as potential rivals. Each of these fighters presents a unique challenge and opportunity for Davis.

Shakur Stevenson, with his WBC lightweight title, offers a chance for Davis to claim another prestigious belt. Teofimo Lopez, known for his explosive power, could provide a high-intensity, fan-pleasing showdown. Lastly, the seasoned Vasyl Lomachenko, with his unparalleled skill set, would be a test of Davis’ boxing prowess.

These options paint a picture of Davis not as a boxer shying away from challenges, but as one strategically choosing his battles. Each potential fight carries its own narrative and reward, allowing Davis to sculpt his career path with calculated decisions. In the dynamic world of boxing, these choices could define his legacy.

Also Read: Where Was Gervonta Davis Born? All You Need to Know About His Rough Childhood, Parents, and Early Life

What will be Davis’s next move? Will he reaffirm his dominance in a rematch with Cruz, or will he venture into new territories against Stevenson, Lopez, or Lomachenko? This is the question that keeps the boxing world on the edge of its seat. What do you think should be his next step?

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