Gervonta “Tank” Davis put together one of his best performances to date on Saturday night at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA. On Showtime PPV the protege of Floyd “Money” Mayweather jumped up two weight classes, and one thing for sure is his power followed him from lightweight (130) to junior welterweight (140).
Davis defeated the tough, gritty and talented Mario Barrios by stoppage in the 11th round to become the new WBA “Regular” Junior Welterweight Champion. Tank entered as an undefeated WBA Lightweight Champion with a record of 25-0 with 24 coming by way of knockout an ode to his unbelievable power.
His opponent Mario Barrios was the WBA (Regular)Super Lightweight Champion before his defeat at the hands of Davis. Barrios left the ring with the first blemish on his record and now sits at 26-1 with 17 coming by way of the knockout as well.
This was Davis’ first fight at 140 and everyone, including myself, was curious about how he’d handle the weight jump. The height and reach advantage of Barrios was also something most believed could help him in his quest to knockoff Tank.
Tank got out the gate early winning the opening round, but Barrios seemed to be the more comfortable fighter in rounds 2-4. Davis showed us his elite power in the eighth dropping the bigger Barrios twice but couldn’t finish him.
Tank’s promoter Floyd Mayweather told him that he was down on the cards in a fight that seemed very close entering the tenth round. After that word of advice or pep talk to pick it up, Davis became much more aggressive and began to hurt Barrios over and over those last two rounds. He finished Barrios with a vicious shot to the body. Affectionately ending the night by TKO.
After the fight, Davis said, “I made it tough, I made it tough. I definitely could have made it easier on myself but it is what it is. “I went up two weight classes and I got the job done.”
Following the first loss of his career, Barrios said. “I have never been a hater, congrats to Tank. He came in there and did his thing.”
“This was nothing short of a great and exciting fight and that’s what we came here to do. I’ll be back.”
Next up for Tank is a host of options, but the most intriguing fight would be with Regis Prograis at 140 for the 4-division champ by way of Baltimore MD.
