An all-American showdown between lightweight world champions Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson is amongst the most clamoured for match-ups in all of boxing.
Both Davis and Stevenson are undefeated multi-weight titlists, and are a staple of any respectable pound-for-pound list.
That in mind, one could be forgiven for assuming that the pair locking horns whilst in their prime years is a no brainer, however it does not appear likely to happen any time soon.
‘Tank’ spoke to the media at the launch press conference for his March 1 fight against Lamont Roach, and when the prospect of a bout with Stevenson was raised, he did not seem particularly keen.
The Baltimore puncher went as far as to question what his countryman had done to earn a payday against him.
“For what? Who has Shakur [beat]? What has Shakur done?
“What has he done in the sport? He hasn’t done nothing! The young ones looking more better than him!”
“Keyshawn [Davis] looking way more better than this n****! Y’all keep screaming this n**** name, he ain’t done nothing!
I asked Gervonta about a possible fight with Shakur… #Boxing #TankRoach pic.twitter.com/T1eNFJ9iIO
— Two O’s Two Z’s.. (@Noo_Barzz) December 3, 2024
“What the f*** do y’all keep saying his name for?”
Like Davis, Stevenson will also be back in action in Q1 of next year, as he takes on hot prospect Floyd Schofield on the stacked February 22nd Riyadh Season card.
The Newark southpaw has been out of action since a decision victory over Artem Harutyunyan in July, after having to withdraw from a proposed October bout against Joe Cordina due to injury.
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh has stated his desire to make a fight between the two virtuosos, provided both are successful in their upcoming fights.
‼️ His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has declared that he wants to make Gervonta Davis vs Shakur Stevenson: “My plan for Shakur is this fight [vs Floyd Schofield], then William Zepeda, and then let’s see if Tank wants to be in our show.” [@DAZNBoxing] pic.twitter.com/Mmi6hO7Fjo
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) December 3, 2024
Though he undoubtedly has the talent to rival Davis, Stevenson is nowhere near as big a commercial star as his rival, and some critics believe he needs to start delivering more entertaining performances if he wants to land the marquee names.
