'Tank' Davis, known for his explosive power and speed, plans to face Lamont Roach in Brooklyn this March. Davis has been on a roll, beating top names like Leo Santa Cruz, Mario Barrios, Rolando Romero, Ryan Garcia, and most recently Frank Martin in June 2024.
But Malignaggi isn't impressed with Davis' next move. He shared his thoughts with FightHype:
"Lamont Roach, if he'd made four of five defences at 135, you'd be selling me a little bit, I'd be curious. But no, you're just recycling the same champion. You're not even progressing. You're killing the sport to line your pockets. I defend the sport, I want the best match-ups possible. You're not going to entertain me with the B-level match-ups just cause they're pay-per-views."
Malignaggi thinks Davis isn't challenging himself enough. He believes 'Tank' is putting money before the integrity of boxing.
Fans hoped to see Davis in big fights against guys like Shakur Stevenson or Vasiliy Lomachenko. They want Davis to make his last year count before he hangs up his gloves at the end of 2025.
The undercard for Davis vs Roach looks solid. Jose Valenzuela will defend his WBA super lightweight title against Gary Antuanne Russell. In another title fight, Alberto Puello puts his WBC super lightweight belt on the line against Sandor Martin.
Davis became a champion at just 22 and has held titles in three weight classes. He's still undefeated and stands as one of boxing's most exciting fighters. But will his choice of opponents tarnish his legacy? Only time will tell.