All of his fights follow a certain pattern, and on Saturday night, June 15th, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, everything went according to the script, as Gervonta “Tank” Davis retained his WBA world lightweight title by knocking out Frank “The Ghost” Martin (18-1, 12 KOs) in the eighth round.
(Photo credit: Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions)
When fight fans tune in to watch a Gervonta Davis fight, they usually see his opponent win the early rounds as Davis patiently downloads the data. The midway point of the fight is normally the danger zone, as Davis will walk his opponent down, throw more power shots, and then score the knockout.
On Saturday night, June 15th, in a battle between two southpaws, a motivated Frank Martin came out in the opening round utilizing his footwork, throwing the jab and the left to the body. Martin continued to experience success as he landed a solid body shot in the opening minute of the second round.
Davis was constantly pressing forward and applying intense pressure, but he was unable to land anything significant in the second round. Tank Davis landed a lead left hand followed by a one-two combination at the midway point of round number three.
Davis proceeded to lure Martin into a corner, but Martin was able to land a solid left-hand counter. The defending WBA champion, Gervonta Davis, began to warm up in the fourth round as he connected with solid shots to the head and body of Martin.
In the fifth round of the bout, Davis connected with a solid right hook, but Martin responded by landing two shots of his own. Davis was in a rhythm as he consistently hit the target in the sixth round.
Tank appeared to be in complete control in the seventh as he walked Martin down and landed hard, accurate power shots. Martin used the jab at the start of round number 8, but he still let Tank Davis walk him to the ropes.
With 1:45 remaining in the eighth round, Davis landed a left uppercut followed by a left-hand shot that sent Martin down to the canvas. Martin was counted out, and then Davis proceeded to climb on the top rope and execute his signature celebratory backflip.
Gervonta “Tank” Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) once again treated his boxing fans to an exciting highlight reel-style knockout. Now that Tank has defeated the No.2 WBA contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin, it’s time to ask boxing fans favorite question: who’s next?
In the lightweight division, WBA world champion Gervonta Davis has options in regard to intriguing unification bouts. Davis could pursue a match with IBF champion Vasiliy Lomachenko, or he could face the reigning WBC champion, Shakur Stevenson.
The 36-year-old Vasiliy Lomachenko is older, but he is still a threat because of his skill set and ring IQ. However, Shakur Stevenson may be the most dangerous opponent for Davis not because of his physical presence, but due to his ring IQ, and his potential ability to build an early lead, be elusive for 12-rounds, and win on points.
Gervonta “Tank” Davis is a generational talent who is undefeated, and he’s currently looking unstoppable at 135 and possibly at 140. Floyd Mayweather set the bar by retiring with a 50-0 record, but the way things are currently looking, Tank Davis could have 51-0 on his radar.
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