5 Burning Questions for Tank-Roach Jr.
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Few fighters in boxing today command attention quite like Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis. With a perfect record, jaw-dropping knockout power, and a magnetic presence inside and outside the ring, he’s undeniably one of the sport’s biggest stars. But is he the face of boxing? That debate continues to rage on, with some fans and analysts questioning his level of competition and activity.
We break down whether Tank truly holds the top spot, how his choice of opponents impacts his legacy, and what the future holds for one of the sport’s most electrifying fighters:
#1. Do you agree with Tank’s claims that he is now the face of boxing?
Lee: Baltimore native Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis is often called the face of boxing by some. While I don’t fully agree, I can confidently say he is the most exciting fighter in the sport. His skill is second to none, combining elite ability with devastating power. However, I hesitate to give him that title because his resume lacks marquee names and a signature win that will stand the test of time. There is no argument that he is a PPV draw and also he’s must-see TV in this era.
Boxing fans want to be entertained for their money and he provides that with each knockout win. My previous stance had Canelo as the face of boxing. He fights quality opponents, is an undisputed champion, and PPV numbers say that as well. Canelo’s PPV numbers are sliding in the wrong direction though, mainly due to no longer fighting guys people want him to fight. The one thing Canelo can lay claim to is he owns one weekend a year. The boxing world tunes in for his annual Cinco de Mayo fight, regardless of the opponent. Tank has time to be “the guy” but his competition needs to improve, and he needs to start accumulating titles.
Evan: I agree with Lee for the most part. I don’t think Tank is the current face of boxing either. But, he’s definitely one of the few fighters in discussion to take that mantle. There’s a level of gravitas to the atmosphere Davis’ fights create, and cultural impact to them, that most of his peers simply can’t replicate. He’s one of the most exciting KO artists in the sport today. Davis has a persona that intrigues fans of all backgrounds, and a versatile skill set that makes him a box office caliber star. However, I do disagree that he’s an undeniable PPV draw. Outside of his matchup with Ryan Garcia, none of the events Tank have done over 350,00 buys. He hasn’t fully crossed over to that Mayweather-esque mainstream superstar just yet.
#2. Has Tank’s inactivity and choice of opponents hurt his star power?
Lee: I dont think his inactivity is an issue. He is always present on social media, and fans love that. The issue is guys he has cherry-picked to fight. A 30-0 record with 28 wins via knockout is not shabby at all. His two biggest victories have come against Ryan Garcia and Mario Barrios. But, both fighters had to adhere to rehydration clauses. These types of clauses prevent fighters from utilizing their natural assets if they are bigger than him. Davis has also faced criticism for making opponents move up in weight, as was the case with Leo Santa Cruz. He often claims he can beat top competition like Devin Haney, Shakur Stevenson, Vasiliy Lomachenko, and Teofimo Lopez—fighters in and around his division. However, true legacy is built by defeating those names, not by knocking out Lamont Roach Jr. or Frank Martin.
Evan: So I differ slightly from what Lee said. I do think his inactivity has hurt his star power, evident once again by his mediocre PPV numbers. Tank has only fought once or twice a year, dating back to his KO victory over Leo Santa Cruz on Halloween in 2020. He’s also had extensive legal troubles outside of the ring that have hindered his activity level.
To become the true face of boxing, he’s going to have to fight on a more regular basis than his current schedule. Additionally, his choice of opponents hasn’t helped much either. Fighting the likes of Isaac Cruz, Frank Martin, Hector Garcia, Rolly Romero, and now Lamont Roach Jr. has done virtually nothing to elevate Davis’ appeal as a star. That’s not to say any of the aforementioned fighters aren’t talented in their own right. But, they also aren’t the names fight fans are clamoring to see Tank compete against.
#3. How much of a legitimate chance does Lamont Roach Jr. have to pull off the upset against Tank?
Lee: Every fighter has a puncher’s chance to win a fight. Roach Jr. (25-1-1, 10 KOs) has been in the ring with Tank in the amateur ranks. He is familiar with the champion’s fighting style. Roach Jr., the reigning WBA super featherweight champion, will be at a disadvantage being that he is moving up in weight. He delivered an eighth-round TKO of Feargal McCrory in June. On paper, his record suggests he should be a worthy opponent, but in boxing, records can often be inflated. Roach Jr. is an aggressive fighter capable of beating most opponents. But, the real question is whether he can withstand Tank’s 93% knockout rate. He has a strong background and solid skills. However, I don’t see him pulling off what would be a monumental upset.
Evan: With all due respect to Lamont, I don’t buy that he’s got much of a chance at all to complete the upset bid. I appreciate his confidence heading into the fight though, and that he isn’t intimidated by Tank given their past experience against one another. Still, as Lee mentioned it’s going to be difficult for him to move up in weight. This is also a man who lost to Jamal Herring and won a close split decision over Hector Garcia, a fighter Tank dispatched inside of nine rounds. I’m not sure why pundits and fans alike are pretending that didn’t happen.
I’d even debate that Frank Martin, Tank’s last opponent, was a more difficult challenge than Roach Jr. is. According to CompuBox, Davis has the sixth best plus/minus in boxing currently. He ranks second in power punching connect percentage at 48.2% Tank is a slickster who possesses soul crushing power, and devastating finishing instincts. I’m just not sure Lamont can handle dealing with that. Even if he does, I highly doubt he’s able to win enough rounds on the judges scorecards to make this competitive at all.
#4. Of the big names Tank has yet to face (like Shakur Stevenson, Keyshawn Davis, Vasiliy Lomachenko), who would you most want to see him fight next?
Lee: I’d love to see a mini-tournament play out. If and when Tank wins, set up a fight between him and Lomachenko, with the winner unifying two belts. On the other side, Shakur Stevenson would take on Keyshawn Davis, with that winner also holding two belts. Ideally, this would lead to a showdown between Tank and Stevenson for the undisputed title. Since Tank has mentioned possibly retiring at the end of 2025, this could be the perfect send-off—securing two high-quality wins while cementing his legacy as an undisputed champion.
If the mini-tournament doesn’t happen, I’d still love to see Tank take on Shakur. A move up to 140 pounds for a showdown with Teofimo Lopez would also be a great matchup and an opportunity to claim another title in a different weight class.
Evan: I like Lee’s idea of holding a tournament at lightweight between the champions. But, I’m extremely hesitant Shakur Stevenson and Keyshawn Davis would ever fight each other. I’d love to see Tank take on either one of them though for different reasons. The Shakur fight is interesting because of the rivalry that’s been built up between the two, and to see how Gervonta would handle a defensive savant like Stevenson. Although, Shakur’s continuous hand injuries and Davis’ persistent dismissal of him makes me doubt that one happens anytime soon.
Meanwhile, the matchup with Keyshawn is intriguing because he not only has the defensive skills, but the power, physicality, and moxie to go toe-to-toe with Tank. There’s more juice to that fight currently too. However, the Teofimo Lopez showdown is definitely the true wildcard. They both are arguably the two most dynamic talents of their generation. They also are two of the sport’s biggest enigmas currently. Between the build up and in-ring styles clash, that’s a blockbuster scrap waiting to happen.
#5. If he does retire at the end of 2025, how will Tank’s legacy be remembered?
Lee: If Tank were to retire, it would be a major disappointment. At the end of the year, he would be 31 years old. But more importantly, he would still be in his prime. Sometimes athletes are not ready for superstardom, but with the right team, you can grow into the role. I want to see Tank embrace it and carry the sport of boxing forward like Canelo did when Floyd stepped away.
If he were to walk away, what would his legacy be? Sure he was a multi-divisional champ that made a lot of money to boot. But, many boxers (and some lesser) have done that. Tank is within his own right to walk away from the sport that he provided with excitement and some memorable moments. If he was to retire, he would not be viewed as an all-time great… Mainly because his legacy would not be complete and full of what ifs.
Evan: Lee’s spot on, it would be an enormous disappointment if Davis follows through with his early retirement at the end of the year. The reasoning behind it is commendable though, and I can’t fault Tank for wanting to protect his mental health or inner peace by leaving boxing sooner than expected. We all as human beings should respect that to some degree. That said, if he were to bow out now, in the midst of his prime, without facing Shakur, Keyshawn, Lomachenko, Lopez, Garcia again, or even Haney, it would leave a permanent stain on his legacy. He would go down as one of the greatest what if’s in boxing history, under those circumstances.
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