Bob Arum Reveals: Gervonta Davis Will Fight Shakur Stevenson Next, Controversy Abounds

Gervonta Davis is a hot commodity in the boxing world and is expected to feature in a lightweight unification bout later this year.

The 29-year-old Baltimore native returned to the ring last month after a year-long hiatus, defeating the previously undefeated Frank Martin in eight rounds to retain his WBA World title. Fans are eager to see ‘Tank’ take on either IBF Champion Vasiliy Lomachenko or WBC Champion Shakur Stevenson.

Stevenson successfully defended his belt this weekend, though his performance left some fans underwhelmed. Despite this, he reiterated his desire to face another champion next.

In a surprising twist, Davis’ co-trainer Kenny Ellis announced on social media that Lomachenko, who had been in early talks for a fight, would ‘step aside’ to allow the bout with Shakur to happen first. “Breaking news. Lomachenko said he will step aside and let Gervonta Davis fight Shakur Stevenson this fall and he’ll fight the winner early 2025.”

This move seemed unexpected from Lomachenko, who is older than both his fellow champions.

However, Bob Arum of Top Rank, who promotes Lomachenko and previously promoted Stevenson until his contract expired this weekend, told Boxing Scene that the news was fabricated. “Let’s not jump any guns … These guys make up s**t.”

Carl Moretti, VP of Boxing Operations at Top Rank, echoed Arum’s sentiment. “So … some bucket carrier is saying ‘Loma’ doesn’t want the fight now? Make it make sense.”

Arum added that Lomachenko would be visiting the US soon to continue discussions with his manager, Egis Klimas.