In a stunning twist that’s turned the boxing world upside down, Gervonta “Tank” Davis has reportedly lined up his next opponent—and it’s not a rematch with Lamont Roach Jr., as many expected after their controversial March 1st draw. Even more jaw-dropping? Sources close to the scene claim the announcement has left Floyd Mayweather Jr., Tank’s former mentor and promoter, reeling in disbelief. The undefeated lightweight champ’s bold move is a calculated jab at his old boss, and the fight he’s chosen is poised to rewrite the script of his already electrifying career.
Insiders whisper that Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) has been secretly negotiating a blockbuster showdown with none other than Shakur Stevenson, the slick, defensive wizard and WBO lightweight king. The matchup, long demanded by fans but dismissed as a pipe dream due to promotional politics, is reportedly set to headline a summer PPV event, with talks heating up behind closed doors. “Tank’s done playing it safe,” a source near Davis’ camp revealed. “He knows Floyd’s been pushing him to take the Roach rematch to ‘fix the narrative,’ but Gervonta’s flipping the table. He wants to prove he’s the top dog—against the one guy Floyd never wanted him to face.”
The shock factor for Mayweather allegedly stems from more than just the opponent. Stevenson, a stylistic nightmare with his elusive footwork and counterpunching, mirrors the “Pretty Boy” Floyd of old—a comparison that’s haunted Tank since his days under Mayweather’s wing. Floyd, who molded Davis into a star under Mayweather Promotions before their bitter 2022 split, has long boasted that no one could outbox his defensive blueprint. Now, Tank’s decision to take on Stevenson feels like a personal affront—an attempt to dismantle Floyd’s legacy by beating a fighter cut from the same cloth. “Floyd’s fuming,” the insider added. “He didn’t see this coming, and it’s eating him up that Tank’s doing it without him.”
The Roach rematch seemed like a done deal after their Barclays Center clash ended in a majority draw, marred by controversy over a ninth-round incident where Davis took a knee. Fans and analysts alike assumed Tank would run it back to silence the doubters, especially with Roach (25-1-2) gaining momentum and demanding a second shot. But Davis, ever the maverick, appears to have other plans. “I’m past that,” Tank reportedly told his team. “Roach had his chance. I’m chasing history now.” The snub has left Roach’s camp livid, with whispers of a potential lawsuit if Tank vacates the WBA lightweight title to pursue this new path.
Social media erupted when cryptic posts from Davis hinted at the bombshell. “New chapter, new king to dethrone. #TheONE,” he tweeted late Wednesday, sparking a frenzy of speculation. Stevenson fired back hours later with, “Let’s dance, champ. I’ve been waiting.” Meanwhile, Mayweather’s silence speaks volumes—though a grainy Instagram story of him shadowboxing in his gym has fans reading between the lines. Is Floyd plotting a response, or just stewing over his protégé’s rebellion?
The stakes couldn’t be higher. A Tank-Shakur showdown promises fireworks: Davis’ devastating power against Stevenson’s untouchable finesse. It’s a fight that could crown the true face of boxing’s lightweight division—and maybe the sport itself. For Mayweather, it’s a bitter pill—watching the student he built from scratch take a swing at his legacy without so much as a nod in his direction. Will Tank’s gamble pay off, or has he just lit a fuse that’ll blow up in his face? One thing’s for sure: the boxing world won’t look away from this unfolding drama. Stay tuned—this is only the beginning!
