Gervonta Davis walks around like a dude who isn’t scared of anyone or anything. That fearless disposition, ultimately, has allowed him to shine when the lights are at their absolute brightest.
However, it isn’t confidence that pushes Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) to run the extra mile in the morning. That also isn't the sole reason why he stays a bit longer when his training sessions are over. Although he doesn't appear to have a single fearful bone in his body, he actually does. Fear, in reality, might not be a strong enough word. Losing isn’t the biggest deal in the world but if Davis ever suffered a total beatdown, he wouldn’t know how to take it.
“My biggest fear is being embarrassed,” admitted Davis on Gloves Off: Tank vs Roach. “Especially in front of all of these people worldwide. I ain’t got time for that. I’m not trying to go out and get my butt kicked bad. I don’t want to be embarrassed.”
There's a chance, although oddsmakers believe it isn’t likely, that Davis could get humiliated next weekend if he isn’t on his A game. In the main event slot in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Davis will put his WBA 135-pound title on the line when he takes on fellow champion, albeit one weight class lower, Lamont Roach.
Activity hasn’t been Davis’ best friend lately. In 2024, The Ring’s No. 1 ranked lightweight made just one appearance, an eighth-round stoppage win over Frank Martin. Roach, on the other hand, hasn’t had the most perky schedule. Over the last three years, the 29-year-old has fought just once a year. He also hasn’t fought in the lightweight division in nearly a decade.
By and large, all signs point to Davis keeping his undefeated record intact. With the chips in his favor and their showdown inching closer and closer, Davis hopes that Roach is putting in as much work as he is.
“He’s not gonna win. You better be ready.”