GERVONTA DAVIS ‘TANK’
RECORD: 24-0 (23) AGE: 26 FROM: USA
WHY HE IS ON THE LIST:
As his most recent matchup – against Leo Santa Cruz in October – was fought at the 130lb limit, Davis is ranked at super-featherweight in Boxing
News’ official world ratings (see pages 38-39). Nevertheless, as Davis’ spurious WBA secondary lightweight strap was on the line in this contest, in addition to Santa Cruz’s WBA super-feather crown, he still has one foot in the 135lb division. Size-wise, lightweight is a more comfortable fit for the stocky southpaw, so his future is likely to lie in this weight class.
BEST PUNCH:
How can you look past his lethal left uppercut? Davis took home Boxing
News’ 2020 Knockout of the Year prize thanks to the phenomenal finish he provided against Santa Cruz. After slipping a right hand thrown by Santa Cruz in the corner, Davis pivoted to his left and uncorked a sensational uppercut from his backhand. The stunning shot removed Santa Cruz from his senses and led the referee to immediately terminate proceedings in round six.
STANDOUT VICTORY:
Santa Cruz was a four-weight world titlist who had only tasted defeat once before, yet Davis made a huge statement by storming past his respected rival in devastating fashion. The win catapulted the three-time world super-featherweight champ into the pound-for-pound top 10.
X FACTOR:
The explosive, game-changing power that Davis possesses is his most formidable quality. All but one of his adversaries have been beaten inside the distance, resulting in a frightening 96 per cent KO ratio.
WHO HE SHOULD FIGHT NEXT:
It has to be Teofimo Lopez. There has been talk of the lightweight leader potentially moving up to the super-lightweight category, but hopefully not before he shares a ring with Davis. It is a fight that boxing needs.