Gervonta Davis has claimed he will retire after boxing Jake Paul on November 14.
The undefeated WBA lightweight champion faces Paul in a lucrative 195lbs exhibition bout at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.
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‘Tank’ is set to box Paul live on Netflix in November, with Alycia Baumgardner defending her super featherweight titles against Leila Beudoin on the undercardCredit: Getty
‘Tank’ hasn’t fought since his controversial draw with Lamont Roach in March, while Paul outpointed Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in his last outing, seven months after he locked horns with a 58-year-old Mike Tyson.
Davis has previously had retirement rumours dismissed by his trainer, Kenny Ellis, having allegedly told friends he was ‘fed up’ with the sport.
But it seems the 30-year-old from Baltimore is, in fact, ready to hang up the gloves once and for all after meeting Paul.
Gervonta Davis makes retirement admission, calling boxing ‘dead’
“Boxing definitely did a turn,” Davis wrote on X in the midst of a wild social media rant, before deactivating his account.
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“It went from this side to that side, and this s*** has no loyalty. So why would I care? I move accordingly. Boxing is dead.”
One fan responded to Davis, saying: “Please retire then,” and the undefeated boxer replied: “I am, in eight weeks.”
Davis’ comments came before he embarked on an insulting back-and-forth with WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson.
Rising American pugilist Stevenson, 24-0, claimed a unanimous decision over William Zepeda in his last fight and has been constantly tied to an epic showdown at 135lbs with Davis.
However, among his repeated threats to retire from boxing, Davis has refused to commit to the mega-fight, one which talkSPORT’s Spencer Oliver believes he would ‘ice’ Stevenson in.
Stevenson is now believed to be in advanced negotiations to make a switch to super lightweight in January and fight Teofimo Lopez for his WBO belt.
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The weight difference may give Paul a chance against one of the world’s bestCredit: talkSPORT
Speaking on the anticipated fight with Lopez, Davis explained why he’s not interested in facing Stevenson.
“How much are you making to fight [Lopez]?” Davis said.
“Like I said, you were hurt, and you know I know that’s why you’re in my mentions right now.
“I know what I did to you when we sparred, and you know how you will feel if I said I would give you a payday…but I’m turning my back.”
Nonetheless, Davis currently finds himself in training camp for a bout with Paul, who hadn’t even made his professional boxing debut when the former was crowned a world champion for the first time.
Davis may well see the fight as one last huge payday in his career, having discussed walking away from the sport numerous times already.
Jake Paul vs Gervonta Davis undercard
Jake Paul vs Gervonta Davis – exhibition 195lbs catchweightAlycia Baumgardner vs Leila Beaudoin -WBA, IBF and WBO super featherweight titlesEllie Scotney vs Mayelli Flores Rosquero – WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO super bantamweight titlesYokasta Valle vs Yadira Bustillos – WBC minimumweight titleAvious Griffin vs Cesar Francis – welterweightDavis faced retirement calls after July arrest
Talk of Davis’ retirement reemerged when he was arrested for the alleged assault of his ex-girlfriend two months ago.
He was taken into custody in July, but released on $10,000 bond, with a court hearing scheduled for August 12.
The domestic violence case against Davis was then dropped last month.
The Miami-Dade State’s Attorney’s Office told TMZ Sports: “This case was dropped as the victim is declining to prosecute per her victim attorney, Lindsey Chase, Esq, and her sentiments were directly confirmed by the Assistant State Attorney handling the prosecution.”
Davis will battle Paul over 10 three-minute rounds on November 14 with 12oz gloves.
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Davis has been backed to utilise his superior boxing skills over Paul, who goes into the bout as a big underdogCredit: Getty
Despite initial reports that there will be no winner, one man will have his hand raised for the contest, although it will not count on either man’s professional record.
The undercard for the Netflix Miami event features Alycia Baumgardner vs Leila Beaudoin for the unified super featherweight titles.