Gervonta Davis, the WBA Lightweight World Champion, has announced his plan to retire at the end of 2025. He dropped this bombshell during a press conference for his upcoming fight against Lamont Roach Jr., set for March 1, 2025, in Brooklyn.
"After next year I'm out of it. Out of this sport," Davis declared, stunning fans and media alike. The Baltimore native, known for his knockout power, will be just 31 years old when he hangs up his gloves.
Davis has built an impressive 30-0 record with 28 knockouts. He's grabbed titles in three divisions and beaten top names like Ryan Garcia, Isaac Cruz, and Leo Santa Cruz. His last fight saw him stop the previously undefeated Frank Martin in the 8th round.
Many fans will likely be upset by this news. Davis could become boxing's biggest star, and some think he's already the best fighter out there. There are still plenty of big fights to be made, including unifications that won't happen if he sticks to this retirement plan.
Before he calls it quits, Davis will defend his WBA lightweight belt against Lamont Roach Jr. Roach is moving up from super-featherweight, where he's the champ. The two have history as amateur rivals.
The fight is set for March 1 in Brooklyn, but some fans aren't thrilled with the matchup. They were hoping for bigger names like Vasiliy Lomachenko or Shakur Stevenson, but those fights fell through.
Davis started out respectful of his opponent, saying:
"I'm excited to be a part of this and come March the 1st it will be a great event. Right now I'm not really big on getting into it, I'm out of it right now but come March the 1st it will be the same results."
He added:
"Even though he's at a smaller weight class he definitely has the skills … People don't really know him but he definitely has the skills, definitely a top opponent."
But things got heated when the two started exchanging words. Davis's tone changed dramatically:
"I promise you, you better leave the females at homes. And the kids. On my mother. Now watch this."
'Tank' Davis has made a name for himself as one of boxing's most clinical finishers. With his power and skills, he's become a pound-for-pound star. It's left many wondering why he'd want to walk away from the sport so soon.
