Does Shakur Stevenson Need the “TANK” Fight?

The potential fight between Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Shakur Stevenson has been gaining attention. Stevenson has expressed his desire to face Davis in July, and Davis’s team has made an offer. However, this fight is contingent on Davis successfully defending his WBA World Lightweight Title against Lamont Roach Jr. on March 1st.

Why the Fight Might Happen

For this fight to take place, one key condition is that it would be broadcast on Amazon Prime in the U.S. This makes sense, as it would make the fight more accessible to American fans. While there’s some speculation about other potential locations, such as Saudi Arabia, the primary reason for this decision is to cater to the U.S. audience. Also, having top prospects like Keyshawn Davis and Abdullah Mason on the undercard would make the event even more exciting for fans.

Davis’s Concerns: Why Not Saudi Arabia?

Why should Davis go to Saudi Arabia to face Stevenson? It’s worth noting that Davis recently signed a significant $230 million deal with Amazon Prime. He’s in his prime, and his fights draw large crowds. Davis is the main attraction in the lightweight division, and it makes sense for him to fight in front of his U.S. fan base. There’s little evidence of fans walking out during a Davis fight, unlike what happened during some of Shakur Stevenson’s bouts.

Does “Tank” Need the Fight?

There are a couple of reasons why Davis might be interested in this fight now:

No More Weight Advantages: Davis is no longer working with the coaches who sought weight advantages to secure favorable matchups. Now, he’s more focused on facing top-tier competition.

Shakur’s Hand Injury: Stevenson is dealing with recurring hand injuries, which could impact his ability to punch with power. Davis could take advantage of this, knowing Stevenson won’t be at his best.

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Shakur Stevenson’s Position

Stevenson has made it clear that he needs healthy hands to fight Davis. After injuring his hands during his fight with Josh Padley, he has decided not to risk a major fight until he recovers. Shakur is also hesitant to take a year off for recovery, especially if it means missing the opportunity to fight Davis. If Stevenson doesn’t fight Davis next, the chance for this fight might never come.

Will Shakur Follow Through with the Fight?

While Stevenson has repeatedly called out “Tank” for the cameras, things changed when Davis became available for negotiations. When Coach Calvin announced that they were talking with Stevenson’s team, Stevenson backed off, suggesting the fight might happen “someday.” Some believe Stevenson is waiting for Davis to retire, after which he could claim that Davis avoided him.

What Happens if They Fight?

If this fight happens, Davis will need to land clean, powerful punches to hurt Stevenson. Davis is known for his accuracy, but Stevenson is not an easy target. While Davis is a dangerous knockout artist, Stevenson’s defensive skills could make it a much closer fight than many expect. The fight is likely to be a 50-50 match, with both fighters capable of winning under the right circumstances.

The Real Question: Who’s the Better Boxer?

Stevenson has built a solid resume, defeating fighters like Oscar Valdez, Robson Conceição, and Jamel Herring. He holds the WBC lightweight title and aims to unify the division by beating Davis. On the other hand, Davis’s career has been criticized for facing opponents like Rolly Romero and Mario Barrios, who are not considered top-tier challengers. Davis has been selective in his matchups, which has led some to question whether he’s avoiding tougher opponents.

Conclusion

This potential fight between Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson remains uncertain. Tank is in his prime, but he faces challenges in overcoming Stevenson’s defensive skills and resilience. Meanwhile, Stevenson’s hand injuries and hesitations to fight Davis next could delay this much-anticipated matchup.

If the fight does happen, it will be a true test for both fighters. Davis will need to prove he can land significant punches against a skilled opponent, while Stevenson will have to show that his injuries won’t hold him back. The outcome of this fight could define both their careers, but one thing is clear: it’s a matchup fans want to see.