Davis Vs. Haney: Will It Finally Happen?
Gervonta Davis has said he is willing to fight Devin Haney after the latter’s prospective rematch with Ryan Garcia.
Davis is currently preparing to face Lamont Roach Jr. on March 1 as he defends his WBC Lightweight Title. Davis intends to retire this year once he has boxed three more times. He was linked with a Haney fight after the Saudis said they wanted to make it happen in the Kingdom. Davis was unhappy with the demands, stating he wanted multiple Ferraris delivered to his door before a conversation. However, the landscape appears to have changed. If Davis does retire this year, he will want to get the most lucrative fights before he leaves.
That would require Tank to move up to 140. Davis has boxed at the weight class previously, having stopped Mario Barrios. But in doing so, he imposed a rehydration clause on him. Haney has previously said that he would not have a rehydration clause if he fought Tank. Haney is much bigger than 140, as he showed in the Garcia fight.
Tank On Haney
Reports indicated that he rehydrated to around 160 on fight night after having made weight. However, Davis is the A-side, given that he has the bigger commercial value. That would allow him to dictate terms. However, Haney’s relationship with Matchroom and his closer relationship with the Saudis will give him some leverage. But if terms can be worked out, Tank is ready to have that fight.
“I would definitely be open to fighting Devin for sure, but he’s got to redeem himself. If he looks good in his next fight, or if the fight don’t go good, or even if he looks good against Ryan too and he don’t get the win, I feel it would still be a good fight to have. Even the buildup since we were younger and coming into the game. It was back and forth. I think it would still be a good fight between me and Devin,” Davis said
Other Options
Elsewhere, Eddie Hearn says the plan is for Shakur Stevenson to fight Gervonta Davis, provided Shakur gets past Josh Padley. Shakur defends his WBC Lightweight Title on February 22 against the Brit after his initial opponent, Floyd Schofield, pulled out with an illness. It was the third time that a fight fell through for Shakur after Joe Cordina and William Zepeda.
Shakur is expected to beat Padley, which could set up a unification with Tank. It is the biggest bout available at 135. It can also sell out in Saudi or the United States, offering both fighters the chance to earn big purses. That was Hearn’s focus.
“So, don’t waste our time, especially when it comes to Shakur Stevenson, because this kid is one of the best fighters in boxing. I’m not allowing anyone to disrupt his career. We deal with Saturday night, then bring on Tank. We don’t need these fights. Schofield, Tank fighting Lamont Roach. We don’t them. Tank fighting Shakur Stevenson. Shakur, show us how great you are on Saturday night. End of topic,” Hearn said
