Tag: Yuriorkis Gamboa

Gervonta Davis focused on victories, not knockouts

Gervonta Davis told Boxing Junkie that he’s focused on victories, not knockouts.

Gervonta Davis was in the eighth grade when a street fight changed the way he approaching boxing.

Davis, prone to schoolyard tussles in his Baltimore neighborhood, landed a punch that did a funny thing to his unfortunate adversary: The kid didn’t get up. A light bulb went off in his head and one of the most dangerous punchers of this generation was born.

“It was a fight at the school,” Davis told Boxing Junkie on Wednesday. “I hit somebody. They fell. That’s when I went crazy, when I started to knock people out in the gym. That was the time.”

The power is reflected in Davis’ professional record: 23 fights, 22 knockouts. The latter number could go to 23 on Saturday, when “Tank” faces Leo Santa Cruz in the first pay-per-view main event for both fighters from the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Davis was asked where the power comes from and initially responded that he has no idea. Then, after thinking about it for a moment, he gave a different answer.

“I take it back,” he said. “It’s accuracy.” You mean the power comes from hitting the bull’s-eye? “Exactly,” he said.

Gervonta Davis (left) is coming off a 12th-round knockout of Yuriorkis Gamboa last December. AP Photo / Tami Chappell

Many people fear for Santa Cruz if Davis is able to hit the bull’s-eye on Saturday. Santa Cruz, whose junior lightweight title will be on the line, is a four-division titleholder who has won consistently with volume punching and toughness.

However, he’s perceived to be a small 130-pounder while Davis is thought to be a big one. Factor in Tank’s punching power and it seems Santa Cruz might be in trouble.

Not everyone is thinking that way, though. Davis was asked whether he’d be surprised if his opponent can take his power. He has a wait-and-see attitude.

“Once you get the top level, it’s very hard to knock people out,” said Davis, who arguably faces his biggest challenge. “For him to be a four-time world champion … you gotta have a chin to be able to accomplish these goals.

“I don’t think he’s been hurt in his career.”

And the notion that Santa Cruz is too small for him?

“I don’t think so,” he said. “I know he came up from 126 but I also went up to 135 [to face Yuriorkis Gamboa last December]. No one was saying anything about me being smaller than Gamboa.”

Indeed, Davis isn’t focused on his punching power or any size advantage he might have. He has said repeatedly that his goal is to win – any way he can – and look good doing it to establish him as a pay-per-view attraction.

In fact, he wouldn’t mind if people focused a little more on other attributes he brings to the ring.

“I definitely want to show that I have skills on top of the power,” he said. “You got a glance of that with [Jose] Pedraza and [Jesus] Cuellar. Saturday night I want to give another great performance.

“I want to show more skills than power, to give people a new idea of Gervonta Davis.”

[lawrence-related id=15104,15081,15075,15066,14884]

Gervonta Davis focused on victories, not knockouts

Gervonta Davis told Boxing Junkie that he’s focused on victories, not knockouts.

Gervonta Davis was in the eighth grade when a street fight changed the way he approaching boxing.

Davis, prone to schoolyard tussles in his Baltimore neighborhood, landed a punch that did a funny thing to his unfortunate adversary: The kid didn’t get up. A light bulb went off in his head and one of the most dangerous punchers of this generation was born.

“It was a fight at the school,” Davis told Boxing Junkie on Wednesday. “I hit somebody. They fell. That’s when I went crazy, when I started to knock people out in the gym. That was the time.”

The power is reflected in Davis’ professional record: 23 fights, 22 knockouts. The latter number could go to 23 on Saturday, when “Tank” faces Leo Santa Cruz in the first pay-per-view main event for both fighters from the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Davis was asked where the power comes from and initially responded that he has no idea. Then, after thinking about it for a moment, he gave a different answer.

“I take it back,” he said. “It’s accuracy.” You mean the power comes from hitting the bull’s-eye? “Exactly,” he said.

Gervonta Davis (left) is coming off a 12th-round knockout of Yuriorkis Gamboa last December. AP Photo / Tami Chappell

Many people fear for Santa Cruz if Davis is able to hit the bull’s-eye on Saturday. Santa Cruz, whose junior lightweight title will be on the line, is a four-division titleholder who has won consistently with volume punching and toughness.

However, he’s perceived to be a small 130-pounder while Davis is thought to be a big one. Factor in Tank’s punching power and it seems Santa Cruz might be in trouble.

Not everyone is thinking that way, though. Davis was asked whether he’d be surprised if his opponent can take his power. He has a wait-and-see attitude.

“Once you get the top level, it’s very hard to knock people out,” said Davis, who arguably faces his biggest challenge. “For him to be a four-time world champion … you gotta have a chin to be able to accomplish these goals.

“I don’t think he’s been hurt in his career.”

And the notion that Santa Cruz is too small for him?

“I don’t think so,” he said. “I know he came up from 126 but I also went up to 135 [to face Yuriorkis Gamboa last December]. No one was saying anything about me being smaller than Gamboa.”

Indeed, Davis isn’t focused on his punching power or any size advantage he might have. He has said repeatedly that his goal is to win – any way he can – and look good doing it to establish him as a pay-per-view attraction.

In fact, he wouldn’t mind if people focused a little more on other attributes he brings to the ring.

“I definitely want to show that I have skills on top of the power,” he said. “You got a glance of that with [Jose] Pedraza and [Jesus] Cuellar. Saturday night I want to give another great performance.

“I want to show more skills than power, to give people a new idea of Gervonta Davis.”

[lawrence-related id=15104,15081,15075,15066,14884]

Is Gervonta Davis boxing’s next pay-per-view megastar?

Is Gervonta Davis boxing’s next pay-per-view megastar?

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on SportingNews.com.

***

Nine days before he was due to step inside the ring against Leo Santa Cruz on Saturday night at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Gervonta Davis hit the pavement hard. He’d already had a training session and started doing a litany of media rounds to promote his initial outing on pay-per-view and then was going back to the gym to spar.

By that point, most fighters shut down the media as they make final preparations for fight night. Not Davis, as he understands that this is all part of the process on the road to becoming a megastar.

“It’s great for me,” Davis told Sporting News. “I asked for this life. I got to be able to deal with what comes with it. I’m definitely appreciative to be in this position. I’m happy.”

Pay-per-view is typically reserved for the premiere names in the sport. Before Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquaio and Canelo Alvarez became worldwide superstars, they fought on premium television, which helped them build their audience. When their stars began to shine, they were put on pay-per-view.

Mayweather, Davis’ promoter, feels the 25-year-old is the guy to supplant him as the next king of pay-per-view. The 43-year-old has been entrenched in Davis’ fight camp in every facet and has been guiding him on this new phase of his career.

Gervonta Davis (left) has delivered every time out so far. Amanda Westcott / Showtime

But making your pay-per-vew debut during the COVID-19 pandemic is a gamble. It’s going to be a test of Davis’ marketability, as the Charlo Brothers had their event at the end of last month and UFC 254 — featuring one of the world’s most prominent athletes, Khabib Nurmagomedov — occurred on Saturday.

Davis’ fan base is snowballing because of a hip-hop audience that helped him sell nearly 30,000 tickets for his past two fights. And some boxing pundits describe him as a smaller version of Mike Tyson because 22 of his 23 wins have come by knockout.

Still, are fans going to plop down $74.99 to see him fight?

“You got to be able to put on a performance so people will want to watch it again,” Davis said. “That will make a star [and] that will make people want to tune in. That’s what I’m basically worried about.

“I want to put on a great performance. I want to do great things and great numbers where I can continue to fight on pay-per-view. I don’t want to just fight on pay-per-view one time, and that’s it. I want to become that big star.”

Mayweather has no doubts about his fighter’s appeal.

“I know ‘Tank’ is ready for pay-per-view because his fan base is really growing,” Mayweather said on a recent conference call to promote the fight. “The demographic that follows him is getting bigger. With Leo being popular on the West Coast and in Texas, he’ll bring a huge following, as well. This fight can only be on pay-per-view, in my opinion.”

Floyd Mayweather (left) believes wholeheartedly in his protege. Alex Pantling / Getty Images

Standing in the way of Davis’ path to superstardom is Santa Cruz (37-1-1, 19 KOs). The 32-year-old is a four-division world champion has an all-action style and throws around 1,000 punches per fight. It’s Santa Cruz’s style that makes Davis (23-0, 22 KOs) feel that “El Terremoto” is the perfect foe to show a new audience what he’s all about.

“I think that’s why he is a great opponent,” Davis said. “He’s definitely gonna bring that great style he has. He’s going to bring his fans. I think I could build off of his fans and his style and make it a great night for boxing.

“I think he brings everything I can possibly bring to the table as far as excitement, throwing punches. He’s a four-time world champion. We know he’s always going to come prepared.

“He only had one loss, and that was debatable. But other than that, he’s great. He’s a great fighter all around the board. I can’t wait to share the ring with him.”

If Davis can pass his toughest test to date, there are plenty of fights that would garner significant interest, from Devin Haney to Ryan Garcia and unified lightweight titleholder Teofimo Lopez. The sky is the limit for Davis, assuming he can stay out of trouble and focused on his career, areas where he has struggled.

Davis thinks he has turned a page. And that’s the lasting impression he wants to make on Halloween night.

“He’s a damn star,” Davis wants people to say. “Put him back on pay-per-view. Let him do great things. Let him stay out of trouble, continue to put on great performances in front of a crowd, and just be that person everyone wants to see.

“I want to leave an impression on that person that every time I fight, everybody is rushing home to their TV or there at the fight.”

[lawrence-related id=15081,15075,15066,15059,14884]

Is Gervonta Davis boxing’s next pay-per-view megastar?

Is Gervonta Davis boxing’s next pay-per-view megastar?

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on SportingNews.com.

***

Nine days before he was due to step inside the ring against Leo Santa Cruz on Saturday night at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Gervonta Davis hit the pavement hard. He’d already had a training session and started doing a litany of media rounds to promote his initial outing on pay-per-view and then was going back to the gym to spar.

By that point, most fighters shut down the media as they make final preparations for fight night. Not Davis, as he understands that this is all part of the process on the road to becoming a megastar.

“It’s great for me,” Davis told Sporting News. “I asked for this life. I got to be able to deal with what comes with it. I’m definitely appreciative to be in this position. I’m happy.”

Pay-per-view is typically reserved for the premiere names in the sport. Before Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquaio and Canelo Alvarez became worldwide superstars, they fought on premium television, which helped them build their audience. When their stars began to shine, they were put on pay-per-view.

Mayweather, Davis’ promoter, feels the 25-year-old is the guy to supplant him as the next king of pay-per-view. The 43-year-old has been entrenched in Davis’ fight camp in every facet and has been guiding him on this new phase of his career.

Gervonta Davis (left) has delivered every time out so far. Amanda Westcott / Showtime

But making your pay-per-vew debut during the COVID-19 pandemic is a gamble. It’s going to be a test of Davis’ marketability, as the Charlo Brothers had their event at the end of last month and UFC 254 — featuring one of the world’s most prominent athletes, Khabib Nurmagomedov — occurred on Saturday.

Davis’ fan base is snowballing because of a hip-hop audience that helped him sell nearly 30,000 tickets for his past two fights. And some boxing pundits describe him as a smaller version of Mike Tyson because 22 of his 23 wins have come by knockout.

Still, are fans going to plop down $74.99 to see him fight?

“You got to be able to put on a performance so people will want to watch it again,” Davis said. “That will make a star [and] that will make people want to tune in. That’s what I’m basically worried about.

“I want to put on a great performance. I want to do great things and great numbers where I can continue to fight on pay-per-view. I don’t want to just fight on pay-per-view one time, and that’s it. I want to become that big star.”

Mayweather has no doubts about his fighter’s appeal.

“I know ‘Tank’ is ready for pay-per-view because his fan base is really growing,” Mayweather said on a recent conference call to promote the fight. “The demographic that follows him is getting bigger. With Leo being popular on the West Coast and in Texas, he’ll bring a huge following, as well. This fight can only be on pay-per-view, in my opinion.”

Floyd Mayweather (left) believes wholeheartedly in his protege. Alex Pantling / Getty Images

Standing in the way of Davis’ path to superstardom is Santa Cruz (37-1-1, 19 KOs). The 32-year-old is a four-division world champion has an all-action style and throws around 1,000 punches per fight. It’s Santa Cruz’s style that makes Davis (23-0, 22 KOs) feel that “El Terremoto” is the perfect foe to show a new audience what he’s all about.

“I think that’s why he is a great opponent,” Davis said. “He’s definitely gonna bring that great style he has. He’s going to bring his fans. I think I could build off of his fans and his style and make it a great night for boxing.

“I think he brings everything I can possibly bring to the table as far as excitement, throwing punches. He’s a four-time world champion. We know he’s always going to come prepared.

“He only had one loss, and that was debatable. But other than that, he’s great. He’s a great fighter all around the board. I can’t wait to share the ring with him.”

If Davis can pass his toughest test to date, there are plenty of fights that would garner significant interest, from Devin Haney to Ryan Garcia and unified lightweight titleholder Teofimo Lopez. The sky is the limit for Davis, assuming he can stay out of trouble and focused on his career, areas where he has struggled.

Davis thinks he has turned a page. And that’s the lasting impression he wants to make on Halloween night.

“He’s a damn star,” Davis wants people to say. “Put him back on pay-per-view. Let him do great things. Let him stay out of trouble, continue to put on great performances in front of a crowd, and just be that person everyone wants to see.

“I want to leave an impression on that person that every time I fight, everybody is rushing home to their TV or there at the fight.”

[lawrence-related id=15081,15075,15066,15059,14884]

Gervonta Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz: Your guide to the big fight

Here is your guide the pay-per-view fight between Gervonta Davis and Leo Santa Cruz on Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

GERVONTA DAVIS
VS. LEO SANTA CRUZ

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO
KNOW ABOUT THE BIG FIGHT

When: Saturday, Oct. 31

Start time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT

Where: Alamodome, San Antonio

TV: Pay-per-view ($74.99)

Division: Junior lightweight

At stake: Santa Cruz’s WBA 130-pound title and Davis’ WBA secondary 135-pound title (not recognized by Boxing Junkie)

Odds: Davis 3½-1 (BetMGM)

***

DAVIS BIO

Gervonta Davis will have many physical advantages over Leo Santa Cruz on Saturday night. Jason McDonald / Showtime

Record: 23-0, 22 KOs

Current titles: WBA secondary lightweight

Other titles: IBF junior lightweight (2017)

Home country: United States (Baltimore)

Age: 25

Pro debut: 2013

Pro rounds: 79

Height: 5 feet, 5½ inches (166 cm)

Reach: 67½ inches (171 cm)

Stance: Southpaw

Trainer: Calvin Ford

***

SANTA CRUZ BIO

Leo Santa Cruz will be taking part in his 18th world title fight. Sean Michael Ham / Mayweather Promotions

Record: 37-1-1, 19 KOs

Current titles: WBA featherweight, WBA junior lightweight

Other titles: IBF bantamweight (2012-13), WBC junior featherweight (2013-15)

Home country: Mexico (Huetamo, Michoacan)

Age: 32

Pro debut: 2006

Pro rounds: 261

Height: 5 feet, 7½ inches (171 cm)

Reach: 69 inches (175 cm)

Stance: Orthodox

Trainer: Jose Santa Cruz (father)

***

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH

Gervonta Davis is one of the most-exciting young fighters in the world. The Baltimore product is a complete boxer with one-punch knockout power, as his record suggests. Twenty-three opponents, 22 knockouts. He has a massive following. And he has the backing of promoter Floyd Mayweather. He could become the sport’s next superstar. Santa Cruz is proven commodity, a four-division titleholder whose volume-punching style has confounded one world-class opponent after another. Something has to give on Saturday.

***

FIVE KEY QUESTIONS

Will size play a significant role in the fight? Probably. Santa Cruz fought at 126 pounds only two fights ago and Davis is a big 130-pounder with crazy power.

Can Santa Cruz take Davis’ power? Not for long. Santa Cruz, who fights aggressively, is there to be hit. Davis will probably land big punches with consistency.

Will Davis make the agreed-upon 130 pounds? Probably. He had had weight issues but he moved his camp to Floyd Mayweather’s gym and seems focused.

For whom would a victory be bigger? Santa Cruz. Davis is supposed to win. An upset by the already-accomplished Santa Cruz would lift him to another level.

Did Santa Cruz make a mistake by pursuing this fight? No. If he wins, he’s a legend, If he loses, he can say dared to be great by taking on a bigger elite foe.

***

WHY DAVIS WILL WIN

Davis’ combination of quickness, skills, punching power and size will be too much for Santa Cruz to overcome. “Tank,” an excellent counterpuncher, just needs to be patient, wait for his aggressive opponent to come to him and then chew him up with hard, accurate power shots. And if Santa Cruz decides to box? Davis he has the ability to adjust. He didn’t look good in his last fight, a 12th-round KO of Yuriorkis Gamboa in December. One problem: He didn’t throw enough punches. He must pick up his pace against Santa Cruz. And he probably will. He seems to have shed any distractions by training in Las Vegas. He appears to be as fit and mentally prepared as any previous fight.

WHY SANTA CRUZ WILL WIN

Santa Cruz has a time-tested winning formula on his side. He simply throws so many punches that his opponents don’t have the time or space to do what they want to do. It’s not difficult to imagine that Davis will have the same problems as his predecessors, even with his size and power advantages. If Santa Cruz feels Davis’ power and decides he needs to take a step back? The Mexican-born Angeleno has demonstrated that he can box if he has to. And, finally, Santa Cruz has experience on his side. He has fought 39 times, Davis 23. He has 261 professional rounds, Davis 69. He has been a pro for 14 years, Davis seven. He shouldn’t be overlooked.

PREDICTION

Santa Cruz should be applauded for having the confidence in himself to take this fight but it’s a stretch for him. He’s giving up too many advantages to Davis, who is quicker, bigger, stronger and punches harder. Davis is a smart fighter. He will methodically break down Santa Cruz with well-timed and well-placed power shots until the underdog can no longer take them.

Davis by KO 9

***

ALSO ON THE CARD

  • Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Karl, junior welterweights
  • Regis Prograis vs. Juan Heraldez, junior welterweights
  • Diego Magdaleno vs. Issac Cruz Gonzalez, lightweights
  • Michel Rivera vs. Ladarius Miller, lightweights
  • Jerry Perez vs. Joshua Zuniga, junior lightweights
  • Julian Rodarte vs. Jose Moralez, lightweights

Gervonta Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz: Your guide to the big fight

Here is your guide the pay-per-view fight between Gervonta Davis and Leo Santa Cruz on Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

GERVONTA DAVIS
VS. LEO SANTA CRUZ

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO
KNOW ABOUT THE BIG FIGHT

When: Saturday, Oct. 31

Start time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT

Where: Alamodome, San Antonio

TV: Pay-per-view ($74.99)

Division: Junior lightweight

At stake: Santa Cruz’s WBA 130-pound title and Davis’ WBA secondary 135-pound title (not recognized by Boxing Junkie)

Odds: Davis 3½-1 (BetMGM)

***

DAVIS BIO

Gervonta Davis will have many physical advantages over Leo Santa Cruz on Saturday night. Jason McDonald / Showtime

Record: 23-0, 22 KOs

Current titles: WBA secondary lightweight

Other titles: IBF junior lightweight (2017)

Home country: United States (Baltimore)

Age: 25

Pro debut: 2013

Pro rounds: 79

Height: 5 feet, 5½ inches (166 cm)

Reach: 67½ inches (171 cm)

Stance: Southpaw

Trainer: Calvin Ford

***

SANTA CRUZ BIO

Leo Santa Cruz will be taking part in his 18th world title fight. Sean Michael Ham / Mayweather Promotions

Record: 37-1-1, 19 KOs

Current titles: WBA featherweight, WBA junior lightweight

Other titles: IBF bantamweight (2012-13), WBC junior featherweight (2013-15)

Home country: Mexico (Huetamo, Michoacan)

Age: 32

Pro debut: 2006

Pro rounds: 261

Height: 5 feet, 7½ inches (171 cm)

Reach: 69 inches (175 cm)

Stance: Orthodox

Trainer: Jose Santa Cruz (father)

***

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH

Gervonta Davis is one of the most-exciting young fighters in the world. The Baltimore product is a complete boxer with one-punch knockout power, as his record suggests. Twenty-three opponents, 22 knockouts. He has a massive following. And he has the backing of promoter Floyd Mayweather. He could become the sport’s next superstar. Santa Cruz is proven commodity, a four-division titleholder whose volume-punching style has confounded one world-class opponent after another. Something has to give on Saturday.

***

FIVE KEY QUESTIONS

Will size play a significant role in the fight? Probably. Santa Cruz fought at 126 pounds only two fights ago and Davis is a big 130-pounder with crazy power.

Can Santa Cruz take Davis’ power? Not for long. Santa Cruz, who fights aggressively, is there to be hit. Davis will probably land big punches with consistency.

Will Davis make the agreed-upon 130 pounds? Probably. He had had weight issues but he moved his camp to Floyd Mayweather’s gym and seems focused.

For whom would a victory be bigger? Santa Cruz. Davis is supposed to win. An upset by the already-accomplished Santa Cruz would lift him to another level.

Did Santa Cruz make a mistake by pursuing this fight? No. If he wins, he’s a legend, If he loses, he can say dared to be great by taking on a bigger elite foe.

***

WHY DAVIS WILL WIN

Davis’ combination of quickness, skills, punching power and size will be too much for Santa Cruz to overcome. “Tank,” an excellent counterpuncher, just needs to be patient, wait for his aggressive opponent to come to him and then chew him up with hard, accurate power shots. And if Santa Cruz decides to box? Davis he has the ability to adjust. He didn’t look good in his last fight, a 12th-round KO of Yuriorkis Gamboa in December. One problem: He didn’t throw enough punches. He must pick up his pace against Santa Cruz. And he probably will. He seems to have shed any distractions by training in Las Vegas. He appears to be as fit and mentally prepared as any previous fight.

WHY SANTA CRUZ WILL WIN

Santa Cruz has a time-tested winning formula on his side. He simply throws so many punches that his opponents don’t have the time or space to do what they want to do. It’s not difficult to imagine that Davis will have the same problems as his predecessors, even with his size and power advantages. If Santa Cruz feels Davis’ power and decides he needs to take a step back? The Mexican-born Angeleno has demonstrated that he can box if he has to. And, finally, Santa Cruz has experience on his side. He has fought 39 times, Davis 23. He has 261 professional rounds, Davis 69. He has been a pro for 14 years, Davis seven. He shouldn’t be overlooked.

PREDICTION

Santa Cruz should be applauded for having the confidence in himself to take this fight but it’s a stretch for him. He’s giving up too many advantages to Davis, who is quicker, bigger, stronger and punches harder. Davis is a smart fighter. He will methodically break down Santa Cruz with well-timed and well-placed power shots until the underdog can no longer take them.

Davis by KO 9

***

ALSO ON THE CARD

  • Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Karl, junior welterweights
  • Regis Prograis vs. Juan Heraldez, junior welterweights
  • Diego Magdaleno vs. Issac Cruz Gonzalez, lightweights
  • Michel Rivera vs. Ladarius Miller, lightweights
  • Jerry Perez vs. Joshua Zuniga, junior lightweights
  • Julian Rodarte vs. Jose Moralez, lightweights

5 questions going into Gervonta Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz

Here are five questions going into the Gervonta Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz pay-per-view fight Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Gervonta Davis is a young, power-punching dynamo with the kind of following that could make him a superstar one day. Leo Santa Cruz is a four-division titleholder whose volume punching has confounded a string of world-class opponents in his 14-year career.

Something has to give when they meet on pay-per-view Saturday at the Alamadome in San Antonio.

Davis (23-0, 22 KOs) is favored to beat Santa Cruz (37-1-1, 19 KOs) in least in part because of a perceived size and strength advantage. However, anyone who has followed Santa Cruz’s stellar career would say it would be foolish to write him off.

Of course, there are many questions going into the fight, as there are in any important matchup. Here are five of them.

***

No. 1

Will size play a significant role in the fight?

Absolutely. Santa Cruz fought at 126 pounds only two fights ago yet is stepping into the ring with a big 130-pounder with as much power pound-for-pound as anyone in boxing. And Santa Cruz’s aggressive, volume-punching style could feed into what Davis wants to do: Santa Cruz will come to Davis, an excellent, dangerous counterpuncher. Santa Cruz says he has bulked up for the fight and feels strong. And, of course, he has sparred with bigger fighters. All that is true. However, he’s accustomed to facing smaller men come fight time. This will be a new experience. Santa Cruz said he will adjust, he’ll box more, if he determines that Davis’ power is a problem. That’s not his strength, though. Santa Cruz wins fights by plowing forward and throwing a zillion punches. That approach just might not work against an opponent as big and strong — and good — as Davis.

***

No. 2

Can Santa Cruz take Davis’ power?

Doubtful, at least not for long. One of the most effective ways to build up your punch resistance is to get into inhuman condition. That’s Santa Cruz’s specialty, working extremely hard during training to build stamina and resilience. That only goes so far, though. Davis has 22 knockouts in 23 fights because he can crack and keeps on cracking. It’s possible that Santa Cruz has a better chin than we realize. It’s also possible that his pressure won’t allow Davis the time and space he needs to land big shots. And, who knows, maybe Santa Cruz has a better skill set and ability to avoid punches than we realize. More likely, Davis is going to land hard punches. And if he doesn’t take Santa Cruz out with one early, his punishing blows could wear him down and result in a late knockout.

***

No. 3

Will Davis make the agreed-upon 130 pounds?

Probably. “Tank” has had problems with discipline in the past. He initially weighed in 1.5 pounds over the 135-pound limit for his most recent fight – a 12th-round stoppage of Yuriorkis Gamboa last December – before returning to scale and registering 134.5. However, he seems to have recognized the importance of this fight and the value of professionalism. The product of Baltimore moved his camp to Floyd Mayweather’s gym in Las Vegas and, according to him and his camp, it’s been all boxing all the time. Mayweather said Davis was around 134 less than weeks before the fight, which is a good sign. I wouldn’t be shocked if Davis came in over 130, given his history, but I’d be mildly surprised. Davis and Santa Cruz are fighting for both Santa Cruz’s junior lightweight title and Davis’ secondary lightweight belt, which Boxing Junkie doesn’t recognize.

***

No. 4

For whom would a victory be bigger?

Santa Cruz. For Davis, this is his first pay-per-view main event. That’s a milestone. If he wins and looks good doing it, he becomes that much bigger of an attraction. And, from a boxing standpoint, it’s a big victory. Santa Cruz is a four-division titleholder, after all. Let’s face it, though: Davis is supposed to win because of his size and power advantages. He’s a 3½-1 favorite, according to BetMGM, for a reason. If he wins – particularly if he scores a knockout – people will say, “Well, Santa Cruz was too small.” Think along the lines of Errol Spence Jr. vs. Mikey Garcia. If Santa Cruz wins? That would be huge for him. He’d receive Hall of Fame consideration as things stand today. If he beats Davis, that might seal the deal. It would change the way he’s perceived, from a excellent fighter to a truly special one.

***

No. 5

Did Santa Cruz make a mistake by pursuing this fight?

Depends how you look at it. Again, if he wins, the gamble will have made perfect sense. And if he loses – particularly if he loses badly – he will have been disappointed. Remember: The only loss on his record was a close decision against Fighter of the Year Carl Frampton and he avenged the setback in their rematch. At the same time, he can tell himself and the world that he isn’t in boxing to be mediocre. He can say, “To be great, you have to do great things.” And by taking on Davis he gave himself a chance to accomplish something special. I doubt he’ll regret his decision to fight Davis regardless of what happens on Saturday night.

[lawrence-related id=15059,14884,14471]

5 questions going into Gervonta Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz

Here are five questions going into the Gervonta Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz pay-per-view fight Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Gervonta Davis is a young, power-punching dynamo with the kind of following that could make him a superstar one day. Leo Santa Cruz is a four-division titleholder whose volume punching has confounded a string of world-class opponents in his 14-year career.

Something has to give when they meet on pay-per-view Saturday at the Alamadome in San Antonio.

Davis (23-0, 22 KOs) is favored to beat Santa Cruz (37-1-1, 19 KOs) in least in part because of a perceived size and strength advantage. However, anyone who has followed Santa Cruz’s stellar career would say it would be foolish to write him off.

Of course, there are many questions going into the fight, as there are in any important matchup. Here are five of them.

***

No. 1

Will size play a significant role in the fight?

Absolutely. Santa Cruz fought at 126 pounds only two fights ago yet is stepping into the ring with a big 130-pounder with as much power pound-for-pound as anyone in boxing. And Santa Cruz’s aggressive, volume-punching style could feed into what Davis wants to do: Santa Cruz will come to Davis, an excellent, dangerous counterpuncher. Santa Cruz says he has bulked up for the fight and feels strong. And, of course, he has sparred with bigger fighters. All that is true. However, he’s accustomed to facing smaller men come fight time. This will be a new experience. Santa Cruz said he will adjust, he’ll box more, if he determines that Davis’ power is a problem. That’s not his strength, though. Santa Cruz wins fights by plowing forward and throwing a zillion punches. That approach just might not work against an opponent as big and strong — and good — as Davis.

***

No. 2

Can Santa Cruz take Davis’ power?

Doubtful, at least not for long. One of the most effective ways to build up your punch resistance is to get into inhuman condition. That’s Santa Cruz’s specialty, working extremely hard during training to build stamina and resilience. That only goes so far, though. Davis has 22 knockouts in 23 fights because he can crack and keeps on cracking. It’s possible that Santa Cruz has a better chin than we realize. It’s also possible that his pressure won’t allow Davis the time and space he needs to land big shots. And, who knows, maybe Santa Cruz has a better skill set and ability to avoid punches than we realize. More likely, Davis is going to land hard punches. And if he doesn’t take Santa Cruz out with one early, his punishing blows could wear him down and result in a late knockout.

***

No. 3

Will Davis make the agreed-upon 130 pounds?

Probably. “Tank” has had problems with discipline in the past. He initially weighed in 1.5 pounds over the 135-pound limit for his most recent fight – a 12th-round stoppage of Yuriorkis Gamboa last December – before returning to scale and registering 134.5. However, he seems to have recognized the importance of this fight and the value of professionalism. The product of Baltimore moved his camp to Floyd Mayweather’s gym in Las Vegas and, according to him and his camp, it’s been all boxing all the time. Mayweather said Davis was around 134 less than weeks before the fight, which is a good sign. I wouldn’t be shocked if Davis came in over 130, given his history, but I’d be mildly surprised. Davis and Santa Cruz are fighting for both Santa Cruz’s junior lightweight title and Davis’ secondary lightweight belt, which Boxing Junkie doesn’t recognize.

***

No. 4

For whom would a victory be bigger?

Santa Cruz. For Davis, this is his first pay-per-view main event. That’s a milestone. If he wins and looks good doing it, he becomes that much bigger of an attraction. And, from a boxing standpoint, it’s a big victory. Santa Cruz is a four-division titleholder, after all. Let’s face it, though: Davis is supposed to win because of his size and power advantages. He’s a 3½-1 favorite, according to BetMGM, for a reason. If he wins – particularly if he scores a knockout – people will say, “Well, Santa Cruz was too small.” Think along the lines of Errol Spence Jr. vs. Mikey Garcia. If Santa Cruz wins? That would be huge for him. He’d receive Hall of Fame consideration as things stand today. If he beats Davis, that might seal the deal. It would change the way he’s perceived, from a excellent fighter to a truly special one.

***

No. 5

Did Santa Cruz make a mistake by pursuing this fight?

Depends how you look at it. Again, if he wins, the gamble will have made perfect sense. And if he loses – particularly if he loses badly – he will have been disappointed. Remember: The only loss on his record was a close decision against Fighter of the Year Carl Frampton and he avenged the setback in their rematch. At the same time, he can tell himself and the world that he isn’t in boxing to be mediocre. He can say, “To be great, you have to do great things.” And by taking on Davis he gave himself a chance to accomplish something special. I doubt he’ll regret his decision to fight Davis regardless of what happens on Saturday night.

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Floyd Mayweather might work corner of Gervonta Davis

Floyd Mayweather and Calvin Ford, Gervonta Davis’ trainer, are discussing the possibility of “Money” working Davis’ corner on Saturday.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on DAZN.com.

***

Floyd Mayweather might work Gervonta Davis’ corner for “Tank’s” pay-per-view fight against Leo Santa Cruz on Saturday in Uncasville, Conn.

Calvin Ford, Santa Cruz’s head trainer, and Mayweather, his promoter and mentor, are still discussing the future Hall of Famer’s role.

In Davis’ most recent fight, against Yuriorkis Gamboa in December, Mayweather offered advice from the sidelines. Gamboa was ultimately stopped in the 12th round, giving Davis a lightweight title.

Davis has been training at Mayweather’s Las Vegas gym in preparation for the Santa Cruz fight. Both Davis’ secondary belt at 135 and Santa Cruz’s 130-pound title will be on the line.

“I haven’t spoke to Calvin yet. But in the gym, me and Calvin work hand [in] hand,” Mayweather said during virtual press conference. “You know, sometimes I have to leave and fly away to take care of business.

“But when I’m back, I’m there to give him, you know, just pointers, talking to him about pay-per-view and how things work.”

Mayweather explained the level of commitment that he was looking for from Davis.

“Sometimes when a guy is in a boxing gym, and he’s had hard work throughout that day, sometimes a guy don’t wanna work,” he said.  “I mean, as far as he don’t wanna do certain interviews and certain things like that.

“But you have to, because that’s a part of the job. That’s a part of you being a champion. That’s a part of pay-per-view.”

[lawrence-related id=15059,14884,14543,14471]

Floyd Mayweather might work corner of Gervonta Davis

Floyd Mayweather and Calvin Ford, Gervonta Davis’ trainer, are discussing the possibility of “Money” working Davis’ corner on Saturday.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on DAZN.com.

***

Floyd Mayweather might work Gervonta Davis’ corner for “Tank’s” pay-per-view fight against Leo Santa Cruz on Saturday in Uncasville, Conn.

Calvin Ford, Santa Cruz’s head trainer, and Mayweather, his promoter and mentor, are still discussing the future Hall of Famer’s role.

In Davis’ most recent fight, against Yuriorkis Gamboa in December, Mayweather offered advice from the sidelines. Gamboa was ultimately stopped in the 12th round, giving Davis a lightweight title.

Davis has been training at Mayweather’s Las Vegas gym in preparation for the Santa Cruz fight. Both Davis’ secondary belt at 135 and Santa Cruz’s 130-pound title will be on the line.

“I haven’t spoke to Calvin yet. But in the gym, me and Calvin work hand [in] hand,” Mayweather said during virtual press conference. “You know, sometimes I have to leave and fly away to take care of business.

“But when I’m back, I’m there to give him, you know, just pointers, talking to him about pay-per-view and how things work.”

Mayweather explained the level of commitment that he was looking for from Davis.

“Sometimes when a guy is in a boxing gym, and he’s had hard work throughout that day, sometimes a guy don’t wanna work,” he said.  “I mean, as far as he don’t wanna do certain interviews and certain things like that.

“But you have to, because that’s a part of the job. That’s a part of you being a champion. That’s a part of pay-per-view.”

[lawrence-related id=15059,14884,14543,14471]