In a swirling exchange of words, Shakur Stevenson recently took to social media platform X to clap back at Gervonta Davis, labeling him as “Goofy,” and boldly asserting, “Let’s get this fight on.”
### Cashing Out?
Earlier, Davis lobbed some heat of his own towards Shakur, during a media-packed event on Thursday. He took a jab at Stevenson’s promoters, describing them as “tired” because Stevenson is, in his words, “boring.” According to Davis, they’re eager to “cash him out,” suggesting this urgency to set up a fight is driven by their desire to cut their losses before the public catches on.
If Stevenson’s management indeed seeks to move him along, they’ll need to make him appealing enough for Davis. Unlike Ryan Garcia, Shakur doesn’t command a massive online following that might entice Gervonta into the ring. The other route is to match Shakur against top-level opponents in a make-or-break scenario that could shine up his reputation.
WBC lightweight champ Shakur, boasting a 23-0 record with 11 knockouts, had little to volley back with, aside from telling Davis to quit the chatter and step into the ring with him. It sounded almost like he acknowledged a kernel of truth in what Tank said, yet wanted the fight nonetheless. Shakur’s approach flags a larger issue in boxing today: fighters often seem to feel deserving of major bouts without putting in the groundwork.
### Tank’s Terms
Gervonta, firm in his stance, said he won’t step up against Stevenson unless Shakur proves his mettle by clashing with WBO lightweight champion Keyshawn Davis. Tank isn’t buying the “he’s my brother” excuse Shakur might use, calling it a façade. In Tank’s view, if Shakur wants to be in the ring with the big leagues, he needs to dance to Tank’s tune. The ultimatum: face Keyshawn, and whoever comes through can try their luck against Tank.
Reacting to Davis’ remarks about his possible retirement, Shakur fired back on X, saying, “Stop with the goofy talk and make this fight happen.”
### The Truth Revealed?
Gervonta didn’t hold back on his assessment, claiming that Shakur’s own team sees him as a liability. “They’re fed up with him. Nobody wants to sit through dull boxing,” said Davis. “‘Let’s cash him out, quick,’ is their mindset. They’re pushing for this fight because they hear I’m considering retiring. What skills are they talking about? He was getting tagged all night in his last outing against Josh Padley,” Tank added, dismissing the notion that Shakur showcased any real skills in recent bouts.
In the world of boxing, the verbal sparring sometimes can be as intense as the battles in the ring, and with these two fighters, it seems like things are just heating up.
