The David Benavidez–David Morrell matchup warrants complete focus. Three weeks later, a much bigger event will turn up in Saudi Arabia. So to expect fans to dive in with their thoughts on anything else remains a pointless exercise. But there’s yet another big card on the line – some ten days after the Beterbiev-Bivol rematch concludes.
On March 1, Gervonta Davis will defend his title from super featherweight champion Lamont Roach Jr. Given it’s a ‘Tank’ fight, fans can expect the usual ruckus and excitement. However, as the days draw nearer, one thought will continue to torment several fans. After the Roach Jr. clash, how many fights till ‘Tank’ Davis calls it a day and hangs his gloves? Last year at the kickoff press conference, Davis shocked everyone by announcing a retirement before 2026. Ever since discussions have been rife, whether the decision has been taken in haste or if it’s a prudent one. Floyd Mayweather Jr.‘s uncle Jeff Mayweather has his own take.
Jeff Mayweather on Gervonta Davis’s retirement: It’s a prudent decision made at the right time
FightHype caught up with Jeff Mayweather in Las Vegas. The former super featherweight titleholder marked his presence during the final face-off between David Benavidez and David Morrell. A few minutes after he checked for Mayweather’s views on tonight’s main event, the reporter sought his opinion on Gervonta Davis’s prospects against Lamont Roach Jr.
191226 Gervonta Davis during a press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz for the boxing gala Davis vs Gamboa on December 26, 2019 in Atlanta. Photo: Joel Marklund / BILDBYRAN / kod JM / 88083 BBENG boxing boxning presskonferens press conference *** 191226 Gervonta Davis during a press conference for the boxing gala Davis vs Gamboa on December 26, 2019 in Atlanta Photo Joel Marklund BILDBYRAN code JM 88083 BBENG boxing boxing press conference press conference, PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxDENxNORxSWExFINxAUT Copyright: JOELxMARKLUND BB191226JM029
“Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach set the fight for March 1st. Uh, how do you feel? How do you feel about that fight? What do you think is going to happen?” he asked. Jeff Mayweather was very candid. He admitted that he had little knowledge about Roach Jr. “I can only pick Tank because I know what he can do,” he replied.
“What do you think about Tank saying he’s going to retire, uh, pretty soon?” The next question came. “To be honest, he’s doing the right thing,” confessed Jeff Mayweather. He acknowledged that some people may disapprove of the decision. However, it may not be such a bad thing. It might as well be a smart choice.
“I think it’s great for him to walk away from his sport with all his faculties and spend some time with his family, plus he made plenty of money, and I think that’s wise, I think, very wise for him,” said Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s uncle.
Doesn’t align well with his reputation
Now contrast this with what some of Gervonta Davis’s contemporaries mentioned. When faced with the same line of questioning, Devin Haney remained noncommittal. Given that he fights at 140 pounds and perhaps plans on moving up further, chances of a clash with ‘Tank’s don’t seem imminent. The duo didn’t dance even when they were colleagues in the lightweight division. So Haney’s response could be understood in that context.
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But the same could not be the case with Shakur Stevenson. As WBC title holder, his title unification dream means crossing paths with the Baltimorean. Last year the two were close to a matchup; however, the prospect eventually faded away as time passed. Speaking with the media, Stevenson felt that Gervonta Davis’s latest doesn’t bode well since it shows certain weaknesses. “If he wants to retire with the career that he got, then go ahead and do whatever you got to do. I disagree with it. I think it’s soft, but that’s on him,” said the Newark-born southpaw.
A common issue but different perspectives. However, for sure, given a choice, many fans would rather Gervonta Davis doesn’t retire from the game while still in his prime.
What about you? Do you agree with Jeff Mayweather’s thoughts?
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