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Stevenson badly wants to fight ‘Tank’ Davis, but it’s up to lightweight champion to make it happen

Shakur Stevenson is setting the stage for what could be the most significant fight in boxing by challenging Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis.

As he seeks to elevate his profile for a shot at the lightweight world champion of the WBA, Stevenson has openly promised Davis a “rude awakening” should the opportunity arise for them to face each other.

He anticipates that their match, a classic showdown between a slugger and a boxer – both undefeated – would become a landmark event in the sport.

READ MORE NEWS :Gervonta Davis intimidates Frank Martin with serious warning as they clash at first press conference

However, Davis, who has not fought in over a year and is expected to face Frank Martin later this year, dismisses the potential challenge from Stevenson as an easy fight due to Stevenson‘s perceived technical limitations.

Ringside video of Gervonta Davis win against Ryan Garcia

In an interview on Naji’s podcast, Cigar Talks, Davis mocked Stevenson‘s abilities when asked if the 26-year-old challenger would be his toughest opponent to date:

“Hell no. Show me something he has done. Show me. His power isn’t scandalous. What defense? He’s just lacking,” Stevenson said.

These remarks did not sit well with Stevenson, who took to his X account (formerly Twitter) to respond to the criticisms, asserting that it would be “a rude awakening when fight night comes.”

RELATED NEWS :Canelo Alvarez Sums Up Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia Rematch in Four Words

While such exchanges have been common between them for months, experts believe these provocations might finally lead to a face-off, giving Stevenson a chance to prove whether his zeal is sufficient to challenge one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

Bob Arum speaks on why Gervonta Davis vs. Shakur Stevenson is not feasible  - "We're not gamblers"

Regarding the potential fight, Todd duBoef, President of Top Rank, indicated that it’s only a matter of time before it happens as their careers are on a “collision course.” He stated: “I hope so. I think it makes sense.”

In addition, Bob Arum expressed confidence in Stevenson‘s capabilities to defeat Davis, but emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with ‘Tank’ himself.

Who am I to make an offer to the biggest star in boxing? What can I offer him? It doesn’t make sense. It would have to come from his side, from his team, to want to make a fight,” Stevenson said.

JUST IN :Floyd Mayweather Labeled as “Fraud” by Conor Benn After Rival Gervonta Davis Makes Serious Allegations

As anticipation builds, the boxing community is keen to see if this verbal sparring will translate into an actual match-up, potentially setting up one of the most intriguing fights in recent boxing history.

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will meet in Saudi Arabia on May 18 to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999

Tyson Fury explains how Oleksandr Usyk can beat him in their undisputed fight in Saudi Arabia later this month.

The pair will meet on May 18 to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999. The rivals were due to clash three months ago, but the bout was rescheduled when Fury suffered a cut in one of his final sparring sessions.

READ MORE NEWS :Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk: Timing, pricing, booking details for undisputed heavyweight showdown on Saturday May 18

Fury is set to go into the fight as the favourite, having dismissed Usyk as a blown-up cruiserweight following the Ukrainian’s move up a weight division. But the Brit has now admitted he will have to have a greater desire than his fellow champion on the night.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk undercard announced with another two world  title fights | Marca

“I’m messing with an elite fighter who got more than boxing ability,” he told Queensberry Promotions. “He’s stubborn, and he wants to win like I do. All of the talent and attributes aside, it will come down to who wants it most on the night.

“If he wants it more than him, he’ll win and if I want it more than him then I’ll win. I just think my will and determination will be more than his on the night.”

Fury is self-assured that he will confirm his standing as the top fighter of his generation with a win in the near future. He said: “I respect him, as a man, as a fighter.

RELATED NEWS :Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk undisputed title fight will end in controversy, says Johnny Nelson

“Everyone has to respect the man’s achievements. Good fighter – I have a tough challenge in front of me. But I’m very confident in my ability and I’m very confident I’ll beat the guy.

Boxing promoter Frank Warren makes HUGE Tyson Fury admission after Usyk  fight collapses

“When the cruiserweights step up to the big boys, usually they get found wanting. You can beat the average big ones but you can’t beat the elite big ones, because size really matters.

UPDATE NEWS :TYSON FURY PREDICTS POST-MATCH PLEASANTRIES WITH OLEKSANDR USYK AFTER BOUT I DON’T HAVE ANY ANIMOSITY

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua could finally meet.

A target date has been set for the proposed showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Fury has arrived in Saudi Arabia for his undisputed clash against Oleksandr Usyk, which is slated for May 18.

He landed in the Middle East without a key family member in his team.

Joshua, meanwhile, is coming off a devastating win over former UFC champion Francis Ngannou and looks set to return to action in September.

Providing the self-proclaimed ‘Gypsy King’ beats Usyk, then Joshua could finally meet his heavyweight rival in an all-British dust-up.

READ MORE NEWS :WILD THING New Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder hurdle arises as Saudi boxing chief throws massive spanner into works

Saudi Arabia chief Turki Alalshikh is the mastermind behind a potential Fury vs. Joshua fight as he’s eyeing it for March 2025, per ESPN.

Boxing: An Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight is possible this summer,  according to Eddie Hearn | Marca

A monstrous clash between Fury and Joshua could take place in Saudi Arabia or England.

As for the contracted rematch between Fury and Usyk, Alalshikh is lining up the rematch for October 12 or October 13.

But their second meeting will be without the IBF world title as the governing body ruled that Filip Hrgovic’s mandatory title shot as No.1 contender is overdue, meaning he could fight for the vacant belt when he takes on Daniel Dubois on June 1.

However, Hrgovic has been linked with a fight with Joshua, who could enter a potential fight against Fury with undisputed status on the line should he beat the Croatian star if they fought this year.

JUST IN :‘Fastest heavyweight in the world’ – Anthony Joshua wows fans with blistering hand speed in latest training clip

What’s more, if Fury and Usyk split the two fights, the rubber match could take place later in 2025 after Fury vs. Joshua.

Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua is finally on with all terms and agreements  settled

On Fury vs. Usyk, Joshua is predicting a win for his former foe, who has two wins over him.

“I’ve fought Usyk so I can only speak on what I’ve experienced with him – phenomenal fighter, I would say he’s gonna do a really good job,” he said.

RELATED NEWS :Anthony Joshua predicts phenomenal rival to win Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk fight

“I’ve never fought Fury, so I can’t speak on what it’s like to face him. Only speaking on what I know, I have to say Usyk will be victorious.”

Jake Paul has no problem singing the praises of boxing legend Mike Tyson, but when the two step in the ring in July, the internet personality turned boxer said, “I have to end him.”

Paul and Tyson will go at in at AT&T Stadium in Texas on July 20 and Paul was on hand for this weekend’s Formula One Miami Grand Prix when he was asked about the upcoming bout.

READ MORE NEWS :Mike Tyson former opponent sends warning to Jake Paul and tells him what to avoid during fight

“I love Mike. I’m super respectful of him. It’s an honor to be in the ring with him. But I have to end him,” Paul told USA Today on Sunday. “It’s war. All is fair in love and war. I love the guy, but as soon as it turned into a pro fight, one of us has to die.”

Jake Paul to face boxing legend Mike Tyson in July exhibition fight | CNN

Paul first stepped into the ring in 2018 when he fought YouTuber Deji Olatunji and has continued to box since, with Tyson having said in the past that Paul has done “more for boxing than some of the champions did.”

JUST IN :Last Person to Fight Mike Tyson Reveals Only Way Jake Paul Can Beat ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’

“He’s a legend. I love the guy,” Paul said. “But at the end of the day, it’s war and you just have to go to war and put it all on the line. I still have the utmost respect for him, and I think he’ll say the same about me and what I’ve done for the sport.”

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — YouTuber-turned prizefighter Jake Paul’s promotion of his summer fight with boxing legend Mike Tyson continued at the Formula One Miami Grand Prix on Sunday with some choice words.

“I love Mike. I’m super respectful of him. It’s an honor to be in the ring with him. But I have to end him,” Paul said in front of the Ferrari garage at the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium.

Paul, 27, will fight Tyson, 57, on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The match will be available on Netflix.

Paul said he appreciates how outspoken Tyson has been for him during his rising career, but they have a score to settle when they face each other in the ring.

READ MORE NEWS :Mike Tyson on surprising technique he used before every fight: ‘Only certain people get it’

“It’s war. All is fair in love and war. I love the guy, but as soon as it turned into a pro fight, one of us has to die,” Paul told USA TODAY Sports.

Jake Paul to fight Mike Tyson in a blockbuster bout live-streamed on  Netflix, Entertainment News - AsiaOne

Tyson has been one of the most outspoken figures in favor of Paul’s rise from YouTube star to viral boxing phenomenon.

During Paul’s Netflix documentary “Untold: Jake Paul the Problem Child,” Tyson said Paul “did more for boxing than some of the champions did.”

JUST IN :Mike Tyson and Jake Paul set to smash 61-year boxing record that nobody thought could be beaten

“We got to keep this guy bright because he’s going to save boxing – as long as he continues to fight,” Tyson said of Paul. “He got the light, you know what I mean? He’s touched. He got the light.”

Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul odds: Clear favourite emerges after fight rules  confirmed

When asked about those comments, Paul responded: “I think all that still stands. He’s a legend. I love the guy. But at the end of the day, it’s war and you just have to go to war and put it all on the line.

RELATED NEWS :Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson rules finally revealed as ‘knockout’ decision is made

“I still have the utmost respect for him, and I think he’ll say the same about me and what I’ve done for the sport.”

Mike Tyson has explained how pre-fight hypnosis helped him during his boxing career, saying he was “raised” on the practice from the age of 13.

Tyson, seen by many as the most destructive puncher in boxing history, is set to return to competition in July, fighting YouTube star Jake Paul.

The controversial bout, which will take place at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas and will stream live on Netflix, will be an officially-sanctioned professional contest. Tyson will turn 58 before the fight occurs, while Paul is 27.

READ MORE NEWS :Stephen A. Smith disgusted by Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson being sanctioned as a professional boxing bout

“I’m an exponent of hypnosis,” said the American. “I was raised off of hypnosis since I was 13, 14, until the end of my career. I always had hypnosis before I fought.

Major change could be made to Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul fight rules that  would be

“It only works with… Only certain people get it, not everybody gets it. I guess that’s what life is all about; not everybody’s the same. But I got it.

“It’s all about reaching your self-conscious[ness]. You have a connection with your self-conscious, your ferociousness. Everything’s about being connected, and by using that for fighting, too…

“Everything’s love, everything’s connected to love. Even us going to war: I got her back, she’s got his back. It’s war and there’s love.”

Discussing how he has changed as a person, Tyson added: “The journey, the spiritual journey, it appears to never be over.

JUST IN :Jake Paul is not satisfied with Mike Tyson alone and sends a clear message to Canelo Alvarez after his win over Munguia

“Your spirituality changes, your intellect changes, your soul changes. I’m just at the stage now where I’m ready to meet God. Pretty much, [I’m at peace], yeah.”

Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Is a No-Win Situation For Both Fighters

In an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience in 2020, Tyson went into depth on his experience with hypnosis.

“Cus [D’Amato, Tyson’s former coach] used to have me professionally hypnotised two or three times a day: before sparring, before training, and before fights. My objective was to destroy.

UPDATE NEWS :Mike Tyson goes deep into his own spiritual awakening, claims he is ready to meet God

“Cus didn’t like me to be sensitive like that. He wanted me to be emotionless. He said, ‘Feelings mean nothing. Feelings have nothing to do with your life. The only thing feelings do is distract you.’

On May 5, 2007, Floyd Mayweather finally met WBC light-middleweight titleholder Oscar De La Hoya at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada. This was a much anticipated match up with “Money” getting the job done, winning by split decision, with the scorecards reading 116-112 and 115-113 for the Michigan native and 115-113 for De La Hoya. At Big Fight Weekend, we are taking you back to fight night, 17 years ago.

Floyd Mayweather Defeats Oscar De La Hoya by Split Decision

Floyd Mayweather vs. Oscar De La Hoya Recap

De La Hoya started brightly, cutting the ring off well, and working smartly on the inside, landing some nice combinations. “Money” was the defensive master and many of De La Hoya’s punches hit the arms or shoulders, and were not scoring shots. As the fight progressed, the accuracy of Mayweather saw him turn the tide. 

Floyd Mayweather became money making machine after winning lucrative Oscar  de la Hoya fight | talkSPORT

His ability to land flush was incredibly impressive and showed what a difficult opponent he was to face. Despite the best endeavours of the Los Angeles native, the exceptional ring IQ of Mayweather was too much for him. Despite the split decision verdict, it was difficult to watch the fight and score the contest in favour of De La Hoya.

READ MORE NEWS :Floyd Mayweather promoting the next Gervonta Davis with 100 per cent knockout ratio

The event set a record for the most PPV buys for a boxing match, with a mammouth 2.4 million households tuning in, which broke the previous best of 1.99 million for Evander Hoylfield vs. Mike Tyson II.

Oscar De La Hoya '50-50' on making return to boxing at 42 | Boxing News |  Sky Sports

Following this huge fight, “Money” went on to fight another 12 times, including some memorable fights, such as his KO victory over Ricky Hatton. De La Hoya enjoyed a storied professional career and this will to win has seen him become one of the most successful promoters in the sport. “The Golden Boy” after losing to Mayweather, defeated Steve Forbes by unanimous decision, before losing his final professional bout, in a brutal defeat to Manny Pacquaio.

Gervonta “Tank” Davis hasn’t fought since he defeated Ryan Garcia in April 2023, but it sounds like another fight against Garcia is intriguing to the WBA lightweight champion.

Davis said during an appearance on the Cigar Talk podcast that he’d be open to a rematch against Garcia, but he called for the fight to take place at 140 pounds when he was told Garcia floated the idea of fighting at a catchweight of 145 pounds.

READ MORE NEWS :Gervonta Davis intimidates Frank Martin with serious warning as they clash at first press conference

“He’s not even at 145, that’s not even a weight,” Davis said around the 6:00 mark. “Why it can’t be 140? Yeah, I’ll fight Ryan [again].”

Gervonta Davis defeats Ryan Garcia by knockout to remain unbeaten - Los  Angeles Times

Garcia may have already answered Davis’ question, as he failed to make the 140-pound limit for his fight against Devin Haney last month. He weighed in at 143 pounds and had to fork over $1.5 million as part of a bet with Haney as well as $600,000 from his fight purse.

RELATED NEWS :Amidst Beef with Floyd Mayweather, Gervonta Davis Pens a Strong Message on Loyalty

 

Garcia went on to put on the best performance of his career, earning a majority decision win over Haney after scoring three knockdowns. However, it was announced after the fight Garcia tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine, so Haney is calling for the fight to be ruled a no-contest.

Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia sells more than 1.2 million pay-per-view  buys - MMA Fighting

Davis fights at 135 pounds, so there’s virtually no chance of Garcia cutting to that weight. When they first fought, they met at a catchweight of 136 pounds with a 10-pound rehydration clause, and some pointed to that as being part of the reason Garcia folded on a body shot in the seventh round that gave Davis the TKO victory.

JUST IN :Floyd Mayweather Labeled as “Fraud” by Conor Benn After Rival Gervonta Davis Makes Serious Allegations

Davis is set to be back in action on June 15 against Frank Martin, so he will undoubtedly have a slew of options available if he successfully makes it through that fight.

Jake Paul is already thinking beyond Iron Mike Tyson as the controversial YouTuber-turned-professional boxer has wasted no time in calling out Canelo Alvarez after the Mexican’s unanimous decision victory over Jaime Munguia in Las Vegas on May 4.

In what was a closer fight than people expected, the 33-year-old Alvarez proved he had the decisive edge in reaction time as he constantly evaded and slipped Munguia‘s punches. Across the bout, that eventually added up to a resounding 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112 win in front of a sold-out crowd at the T-Mobile Arena.

READ MORE NEWS :Insider Says Mike Tyson Is in the Same Situation as Conor McGregor – “Biggest Fear Is…”

Canelo proved he is the most feared boxer around, pound for pound, once again as dropped Munguia in the fourth round for the first time in the 27-year-old’s career on his way to collecting the 61st win of his boxing journey out of 65 attempts.

Boxing: Jake Paul targeting bouts against Mike Tyson and Canelo Alvarez |  Marca

But one person who doesn’t seem to be afraid is Paul, who publicly called out the man who, as per Forbes, was the highest-paid boxer in the world in 2023 and fifth-highest paid athlete overall.

JUST IN :Roy Jones Jr warns Jake Paul about how hard Mike Tyson can STILL punch in his 50s as he compares boxing legend power to an animal!

“He’s got to come and talk with us,” Paul said after watching the all-Mexican fight in Las Vegas. “I’m going to get the cruiserweight belt and then Canelo can come and see me.”

When is Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson?

Paul, meanwhile, is preparing to face Iron Mike Tyson in July in an event that will be streamed exclusively by Netflix, the first boxing fight to be aired by the television and movie giant that exploded into popularity around 2010.

Undisputed champion 'Canelo' Alvarez hands Jaime Munguia first defeat | The  Straits Times

Their professional boxing match, which has been controversially received as Tyson is 30 years older than Paul at 58, will take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas which is home to the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL.

The pair will use 14oz gloves and will fight eight two-minute rounds to determine who is the best out of them right now in what will be Tyson‘s return to the professional scene for the first time since 2005, when he was unceremoniously retired by Kevin McBride.

RELATED NEWS :Mike Tyson and Jake Paul set to smash 61-year boxing record that nobody thought could be beaten

Meanwhile, Paul enters with three wins in a row since his split decision loss to Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia on February 26, 2023.

Claressa Shields and Gervonta Davis have rubbed each other off the wrong way. The two leading boxers of their weight classes are now embroiled in a war of words on social media. In fresh updates on this front, ‘GWOAT’ Shields has taken a jab at ‘Tank’ while roping in his mother for comments he allegedly made on the former’s looks. Interestingly, both are in Las Vegas, for the Canelo vs. Munguia fight week.

READ MORE NEWS :Savannah Marshall signed with PFL for Claressa Shields rematch: The goal is to make a build-up&

Tank has been an active soul on social media for a few days now. While he made sure the world knew that Floyd Mayweather and him were not on good terms, he relayed the same information about his dislike for Devin Haney while reacting to the news of Ryan Garcia testing positive for PEDs, something Shields didn’t agree with. Shields sought to point out the same, by noting, “Tank’ really just don’t like {Devin Haney] and it shows.” And from there began an entire fiasco.

Shakur Stevenson, Gervonta Davis, or Devin Haney? Claressa Shields gives a  clear winner among thr...

On X, 29-year-old Shields posted an image of Tank’s mother, Kenya Brown, along with him. In captions, she responded to Garvonta Davis supposedly calling her a dog. She highlighted that she would use the inspiration of black women like Brown and herself to respond to every “man” who took swipes at black women.

She wrote, “Now @Gervontaa remember the strength and grace of our mothers, the strong black women who raised us. This is your lovely mom. Like me, I hope she would take offense to any so-called man — son or not — calling another black woman — me — a dog. Or better yet, putting their hands on one! Keep coming for me, Tank, you look dumb! And keep using your b*tch@ss brand to try tear us down; I’m gonna keep using mine — and your momma’s beautiful face — to uplift us! #GWOT.”

JUST IN :Ryan Garcia’s Ugly Outburst Gets Nate Diaz and Claressa Shields’ Reaction at Devin Haney Press Conference

Prior to this, Tank had noted on his X that he does not like Haney and “the rest of y’all…” Then, when the boxing world chimed in on this freshly brewing fiasco between the fighters, a fan noted that Claressa Shields was “shady.” Agreeing with the user, the WBA lightweight champ wrote, I would be too… look how she look.”

Boxing Needs More Fights Like Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia to Rebuild the  Sport | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors | Bleacher Report

However, it does not seem like this entire back-and-forth will end here. Claressa Shields has vowed to get back at Tank for his comments in her forthcoming diss track.

UPDATE NEWS :Claressa Shields Replies to Peter Fury’s Remarks About a Savannah Marshall Rematch

It seems like the era of diss tracks has officially set in. Kendrick Lamar has released his diss track to settle scores with Drake. Ryan Garcia in the previous week released his own diss track toward Haney, continuing his relentless efforts to undermine the fighter. Now, Shields too seems to be hopping on to the bandwagon after previously releasing a diss track aimed at Alycia Baumgardner.

Women's Boxing Champion Overtakes Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney To Become  ESPY Award's Best Boxer 2023- Check - Inside Sport India

After Tank had objected to the way Shields looked, the latter underscored her displeasure at the comments. Vowing to even out the scores, she revealed that she would release her diss track aimed at Tank very soon. On X she replied to him saying, “I’m dissin you on a song next midget. I got a great verse for you champ…” In a subsequent post, she doubled down on these chances. She wrote to her fans, “Diss track coming, subscribe to my YouTube channel.”