Gervonta Davis has a big punch and maybe a bigger personality.
That personality looms as large as that punching power in the marketing of Davis before Saturday night’s lightweight fight against Yuriokis Gamboa in Atlanta on Showtime. It’s a bout – and a bid – to transform Davis into a crossover celebrity.
Davis is confident he can get it done on either side of the ropes. There’s really no argument about the punching power. Twenty-one knockouts in 22 fights say it all. It’s harder to measure that personality. But Davis says he’s as likable as he is dangerous.
“I believe, just in the ring, I’m explosive,’’ the unbeaten Davis said in a conference call. “I’m a great fighter all around the board. Outside the ring, I’m not a mean guy. I’m a likable guy. I’m reachable, to my people. So I believe I’m just overall a great person. I believe that, and people see that.
“Some might see me on Instagram or Twitter and think otherwise, but when you really get to know me, I’m a likeable guy. So that’s why I think that people are drawn to me.’’
Age is a key. Davis is 25. His generation, he says, identifies with him.
“I believe because I’m around that age group,’’ said Davis, who will fight at 135 pounds for the first time against the 38-year-old Gamboa (30-2, 18 KOs). “I have a big impact on the youth. I’m just 25. I just turned 25, and I’m doing well for myself. And, again, I’m reachable. It’s not only like they can see me on Instagram or TV or anything.’’
Davis says he is trying to reach out to fans beyond social media and television
“I’m around other fights in other cities, and you can come up to me and take pictures and things like that,’’ said Davis, who wants to be more than just another face on TV. “When you see them on TV, you see them. But when you actually get near them and feel them and be face-to-face with them, it’s more enjoyable.’’