THE RESULT: Gervonta “Tank” Davis landed a highlight-reel knockout win after an uppercut, followed by a left hand, flattened Frank Martin in the eighth round of their main event at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Davis retains his WBA lightweight title in the process.
KEY MOMENTS: Martin made an encouraging start in the opening three rounds but spent too long on the ropes as the fight wore on, inviting pressure from the champion. The writing was on the wall once Davis found the time and space to corner his opponent.
RECORDS: The unbeaten run of Davis increases to 30-0 (27 KOs). Martin, after the biggest fight of his career, sees his record move to 18-1 (12 KOs).
TALKING POINTS: Davis proved that even with such a prolonged period of absence from the ring he is still one of the most deadly fighters right now in boxing. If he continues to keep himself out of trouble and stay active fighting top opponents then the career of “Tank” could be a special one.
QUOTABLE: “Once he tired himself out I started picking him apart,” Davis said afterwards.
When asked whether he believed his rivals could match him in the later rounds, the champion replied, “I cannot determine that until they step into the ring with me. I have been in this sport for a considerable amount of time, starting my training at the age of seven and competing since I was eight. It has become instinctive to me. The key is to remain concentrated and keep my mind fixed on the ultimate objective.”
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum revealed to Boxing News recently that talks were underway for a unification between his lightweight star Vasiliy Lomachenko and Davis (who is represented by Al Haymon). Discussing the future following his win, Davis said: “Most importantly I want to get back to the drawing board, get back in the gym and stay focused. I felt I was a little rusty. All these guys are on my radar.”
Martin, who was left feeling defeated, shared his perspective on the fight with Jim Gray from Prime. “Initially, I had a good handle on the situation, but I made the mistake of becoming too complacent. I ceased my movements, and that’s when he managed to connect with his punches. Suddenly, he delivered a powerful blow that caught me off guard, and I didn’t even see it coming.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: A lightweight unification between Davis and IBF champion Vasiliy Lomachenko is in the works and may happen later in the year. Martin now needs to show how he bounces back from his first loss and rebuild his way to another title shot.
