Gervonta Bryant Davis Bio
Gervonta Bryant Davis, known by his nickname “Tank,” is an American professional boxer born on November 7, 1994, in Baltimore, Maryland. He is a multiple world titleholder, currently holding the WBA lightweight title and having previously held the IBF super featherweight title, as well as the WBA super featherweight and super lightweight titles. Davis is renowned for his powerful knockout ability and high ring IQ, boasting an impressive record of 30 wins in 31 fights.
Early Life and Background
Davis was raised in the Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood of West Baltimore, an area known for its high crime rates. His parents struggled with drug addiction and were frequently incarcerated. Despite these challenges, Davis began boxing at the age of five, training at the Upton Boxing Center under coach Calvin Ford. He attended Digital Harbor High School but left to focus on his boxing career, later earning his GED.
Path to Boxing
Davis had a decorated amateur career, winning the National Golden Gloves Championship in 2012. He also secured three consecutive National Silver Gloves titles from 2006 to 2008, two National Junior Olympics gold medals, two National Police Athletic League Championships, and two Ringside World Championships. His amateur record stands at 206 wins and 15 losses, setting a strong foundation for his professional career.
Gervonta Bryant Davis Career
Early Career (2013–2016)
Davis made his professional debut in 2013 at age 18, winning by first-round knockout. Early in his career, he amassed a series of knockout victories, demonstrating his power and skill. By 2014, he had recorded eight wins, all by stoppage except for one unanimous decision. He continued to build his reputation with notable wins over experienced opponents, showcasing his ability to finish fights decisively.
Super Featherweight Breakthrough (2017–2020)
In 2017, Davis captured the IBF super featherweight title by defeating undefeated José Pedraza via seventh-round knockout. He successfully defended this title multiple times, including a notable victory over Liam Walsh in London. Davis was stripped of the IBF title in 2017 after failing to make weight for a defense but continued to dominate in the super featherweight division. In 2018, he won the WBA super featherweight (Super version) title and defended it successfully until 2020. His knockout of Léo Santa Cruz in 2020 earned The Ring Magazine Knockout of The Year award.
Lightweight and Super Lightweight Era (2019–Present)
Davis moved up to lightweight in 2019, winning the vacant WBA (Regular) lightweight title with a twelfth-round technical knockout over Yuriorkis Gamboa. He defended the title multiple times, including a victory against Rolando Romero in 2022. In 2021, Davis briefly moved up to super lightweight, capturing the WBA (Regular) title by defeating Mario Barrios via technical knockout. He later returned to lightweight, where he remains the WBA (Super) lightweight champion as of 2024.
Driving Style and Strengths
Davis fights from a southpaw stance and is known for his exceptional knockout power and tactical intelligence in the ring. He employs a long guard to control distance and uses slips, shoulder rolls, and feints to evade punches and set up counters. His footwork and body attacks are integral to his strategy, allowing him to lower opponents’ defenses and land decisive head shots.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Davis’s career highlights is his 2023 knockout victory over Ryan Garcia, where he dominated the fight and secured a seventh-round stoppage. He has maintained an undefeated professional record with 30 wins and one draw, with 28 wins by knockout. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver powerful finishes has made him one of boxing’s most formidable fighters.
Gervonta Bryant Davis Career Wins
Davis has accumulated 30 professional wins, with 28 coming by way of knockout, underscoring his reputation as a powerful puncher. His victories span multiple weight divisions, including super featherweight, lightweight, and super lightweight, demonstrating his versatility and skill across classes.
Super Featherweight Highlights
At super featherweight, Davis won the IBF title in 2017 and the WBA super featherweight (Super version) title twice between 2018 and 2020. His first major win was the knockout of José Pedraza to claim the IBF belt. He defended his titles successfully multiple times, including notable stoppages of Liam Walsh and Francisco Fonseca.
Lightweight and Super Lightweight Highlights
Moving up to lightweight, Davis captured the WBA (Regular) lightweight title in 2019 and has defended it multiple times, including a significant win over Yuriorkis Gamboa. In 2021, he won the WBA super lightweight (Regular version) title by defeating Mario Barrios. His recent defenses at lightweight have solidified his status as a dominant champion in the division.
Gervonta Bryant Davis Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Davis’s upbringing in a challenging Baltimore neighborhood shaped his early life. Details about his parents are limited, but it is known they struggled with addiction. He has one brother and has spoken about the difficulties of his childhood environment.
Personal Life
Davis resides in Baltimore, Maryland. He has three children: two daughters and one son. He has not publicly disclosed marital status. In 2023, Davis converted to Islam and adopted the Muslim name Abdul Wahid.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Davis is scheduled to defend his WBA lightweight title against Lamont Roach Jr. at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on March 1. The bout was postponed from late 2024 but remains a key event in his career. Davis’s recent performances have been marked by knockout victories and competitive decisions, maintaining his position as a top lightweight contender. His team dynamics and preparation continue to focus on leveraging his power and ring intelligence for sustained success.