Gervonta Davis appeared on the brink of sealing a mouthwatering showdown with Ryan Garcia after weeks of talk.
Garcia called for a clash with compatriot, Davis (24-0, 23 KOs) after stopping Luke Campbell in Dallas on January 2.
In an interview with TMZ Sports, the WBC interim Lightweight champion vowed to halt ‘Tank’ inside two rounds and the pair ramped up the talk of a potential clash after Garcia FaceTimed his rival whilst appearing on Mike Tyson’s HotBoxin Podcast, sending him the same message.
However, Garcia cooled talk of a fight with the two-weight champion last week, hinting that he had “a huge, bigger fight” than Davis lined up and on Sunday night the situation took a dramatic twist, after the 22-year-old announced on Instagram that his next fight would be against eight-division legend, Manny Pacquiao.
Reports earlier on Sunday from The Athletic suggested that preliminary discussions had taken place between the pair and according to ESPN.com.mx a deal has not been reached, although talks remain ongoing for a September clash.
Davis, who viciously knocked out Leo Santa Cruz in October, appeared resigned to the possibility of missing out on an immediate bout with Garcia, insisting he is moving on to new endeavours.
View this post on Instagram
He about to do an exhibition wit Manny..definitely don’t want the fight no more! I’m on to the next 👌🏻 https://t.co/FtpGyR4hvu
— Gervonta Davis (@Gervontaa) January 24, 2021
“He about to do an exhibition wit Manny..definitely don’t want the fight no more! I’m on to the next,” the 26-year-old stated on Twitter.
Regardless of if he doesn’t face ‘King Ryan’ next, Tank, the WBA ‘Super’ champion at Super Featherweight and WBA ‘Regular’ titlist at Lightweight will not be short of options at either weight.
Whilst unifications with the likes of unified champion Teofimo Lopez, who is in talks to face mandatory challenger George Kambosos Jr and WBC titlist, Devin Haney having two mandatories in Garcia and Javier Fortuna, here is some possible options Tank could tackle:
Rolando Romero
Should Davis continue to ply his trade at 135lbs then Rolando Romero seems a viable option.
Romero (13-0, 11 KOs), the WBA interim Lightweight titlist overcame Avery Sparrow by seventh round stoppage in a non-title bout on Saturday on the undercard to Stephen Fulton’s victory over Angelo Leo at Mohegan Sun.
‘Rolly’, like Davis is signed with Mayweather Promotions which in theory would make negotiations far smoother than if he desired a clash with any of the other champions who are with different promoters and networks.
The 25-year-old is rated as the number one contender with the WBA and is awaiting a big breakout fight having showed good promise in his 13 professional fights thus far.
Romero has not been shy on his desire to face his promotional stablemate and a clash could draw big interest with ‘Rolly’ looking to stamp his name on a red-hot division.
Vasiliy Lomachenko
Vasiliy Lomachenko is aiming to come back stronger this year after losing to Teofimo Lopez in Las Vegas in October.
Three-weight world champion, Lomachenko (14-2, 10 KOs) saw his unified Lightweight titles ripped away from his grasp after Lopez put in a convincing display, despite the Ukrainian rallying backing late on.
Thought of as the pound-for-pound number one in many circles prior to the bout, Lomachenko is determined to regain that status that has since been questioned following his defeat and whilst a rematch is seemingly at the top of his wishlist, Lopez, as mentioned is on course for a mandatory defence against Kambosos Jr in Australia in the Spring.
Lomachenko is keen to tackle Davis and the bout could take place at either 130lbs or 135lbs, with both having campaigned at each weight, although it seems more likely it would take place at Lightweight.
“Personally, I prefer Davis,” the 32-year-old told Snow Queen LA.
“I like him more. He is more aggressive. So personally, I prefer Gervonta Davis. Plus he’s a southpaw. I like fighting southpaws.
“If we are talking about who I would want to fight next, if I had the opportunity, I’d fight him! OK, let’s go and make it happen. Why not?”
This would be an intriguing clash of styles, between the supreme boxer in Lomachenko and the devastating puncher in Tank.
Although, a possible stumbling block could be in that the pair are on different networks and with different promoters, with ‘Loma’ tied with Top Rank and ESPN, whilst Davis fights on FOX and SHOWTIME.
Miguel Berchelt-Oscar Valdez winner
The Baltimore man could look for a unification clash at 130lbs and the victor of the upcoming, all-Mexican showdown between WBC champion, Miguel Berchelt and Oscar Valdez could be another enticing option.
Berchelt (37-1, 33 KOs) makes a seventh defence of his crown on February 20 against the former Featherweight titlist and the winner is a natural fight for Tank.
Berchelt is the most experienced champion at 130lbs and would provide a stiff test to the American, should he overcome his countryman, with many viewing the 29-year-old as the division’s best fighter.
A knockout percentage of almost 85% indicates he could have the power as well as skillset to trouble Tank, although Valdez (28-0, 22 KOs) who is coached by Canelo Alvarez and Ryan Garcia’s coach, Eddy Reynoso cannot be counted out and should he beat ‘El Alacran’, he could turn his attention towards a showdown with Tank.
Again, with both Berchelt and Valdez tied to Bob Arum, a fight could be a bit more challenging to make, although not impossible by any stretch.
Chris Colbert
Chris Colbert is quickly becoming one of the most exciting fighters in the 130lbs division and is closing in on a title shot of his own.
Colbert (15-0, 6 KOs), the number one contender with the WBA made a first defence of his WBA interim Super Featherweight title with an 11th round stoppage over Jaime Arboleda in December and is already drawing comparisons with greats of the past like Pernell Whitaker, due to his superb skillset and defensive capabilities.
