I mentioned it on the air, my favorite part of sports is what these stories do to us. Some stories awaken the beasts in us and help us to keep fighting. They inspire us to feel like we can accomplish anything. Watching Gervonta “Tank” Davis grow along his journey has had that same affect. His coaches Calvin Ford and Kenny Ellis were talking about that exact sentiment during an interview with Channel 13.
“It’s bigger than boxing,” said Calvin Ford. “We’re trying to build a family to help the kids get where they’re trying to go.” Coach Kenny Ellis chimed in, “it’s a dream come true, man. We got kids coming behind him [Davis], looking up to him, and they can see that it can be done. Both Ellis and Ford operate the Uptown Boxing Gym on the West side where they focus on creating opportunities for the city’s youth and encouraging their journey.
Check out the feature on Channel 13:
Davis and his title
“Tank” has shined under the bright lights in his career. Out of 25 total fights, he’s won 24 by knockout. His success is what has his mentor, Floyd Mayweather, excited. “The same way I’m selling out stadiums, you’re going to do the same thing,” Mayweather told Davis. “I’m selling out arenas, you’re going to do the same thing. But you have to have patience.” It’s got to feel good to have Mayweather in your corner.
Davis’s Lightweight title will be on the line in Los Angeles this weekend against Isaac Cruz, who hasn’t lost in 5 years. Davis is favored against Cruz, however, with 12 to 1 odds in Caesers Sportsbook. Cruz is a replacement for Ronaldo Romero who was pulled from the original bout in October following Sexual Assault allegations, reports ESPN. A win for Davis this weekend could push him to “new heights in 2022, with potential fights against Josh Taylor, Devin Haney, Oscar Valdez or Ryan Garcia looming,” says Marc Raimondi of ESPN.
Davis versus Cruz gets going on Showtime Sunday (Dec. 5) at 8 PM. Details here.
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