Gervonta Davis has a new challenger knocking on his door. Gary Russell Jr., a former world champion, wants to face the undefeated lightweight star.
Davis, the current WBA lightweight champion, boasts an impressive 30-0 record with 28 knockouts. He was set to defend his title against Lamont Roach in December, but that fight got pushed back. Now, it's expected to happen in early 2025.
While fans are clamoring for a showdown between Davis and WBC champion Shakur Stevenson, Russell Jr. has thrown his hat into the ring. The former WBC featherweight champ, who held his title for nearly seven years, is eager to move up in weight to face Davis.
Russell Jr. told FightHype:
"I would like to come back at 135. I would love a fight with Tank."
The 36-year-old Russell Jr. hasn't fought since losing his featherweight title to Mark Magsayo in January 2022. But he's not shy about calling out Davis, who he feels has avoided him in the past.
In an interview with BoxingScene, Russell Jr. explained:
"It's never been personal or anything like that. I just think the sport it's been too small for both of us to co-exist and not at least come together to see what'd happen. For some weird reason he strayed away from it – him or his team."
Russell Jr. isn't just focused on Davis, though. He's also eyeing a rematch with Vasiliy Lomachenko, who handed him a majority decision loss in 2014.
"I want my lick back with Lomachenko. I definitely want that one. And then wherever the chips lay at that point, whatever the fans say they want, that's what will happen."
While Russell Jr. makes his case, Davis faces criticism from some corners of the boxing world. Former champion Tim Bradley recently claimed that Davis is essentially just a "30-year-old prospect" due to a lack of top-level fights.
As the lightweight division heats up with potential matchups, all eyes will be on Davis's next move. Will he take on the fan-favorite fight with Stevenson, or will he answer Russell Jr.'s challenge? The boxing world will be watching closely as 2025 approaches.
