Gervonta Davis, the Baltimore native and professional boxer, has seen a decline in support since his arrest in January relating to allegations of battery, false imprisonment, and attempted kidnapping. The charges stem from an incident in October of the previous year, in which Davis is accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Courtney Rossel, at a strip club in Miami Gardens. After posting an $8,500 bond, Davis was released from custody but remains under scrutiny amid these serious accusations.
Despite the gravity of the claims against him, Davis has continued to receive backing from former rival Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, who recently expressed a personal belief in Davis’s character and future.
Former Opponent Rolly Romero Expresses Support for Davis
During an interview on the Last Stand Podcast with Brian Custer, Romero spoke at length about his feelings toward Davis.
“I have so much love for Gervonta,”
Romero declared. He added,
“It’s unbelievable the amount of love I have for him. Everything that he’s gone through, Gervonta is not a bad dude. I could see it in the soul. He’s not somebody who will sit down and plot [against] you… You can tell he’s just a reactive person. He has no hate, he has no true evil in his heart. I truly believe he’s a good man, and I know he’ll get through this all.”
This affirmation of Davis’s character offers a contrasting perspective amid the tension surrounding the allegations and ongoing legal situation.
Details of the Incident and Legal Actions Taken
According to a report by the Miami Gardens Police Department, on October 27 Davis entered a strip club where he confronted Courtney Rossel. Allegedly, he took Rossel to a private back room and physically attacked and restrained her. The police documents state that Davis grabbed Rossel by the hair and throat and threatened her with the words,
You think I would not find you.
Following the assault, Davis reportedly drove Rossel to the club’s parking lot and then released her. Rossel and Davis reportedly first met in 2022 and had a brief relationship for about five months in 2025 before breaking off all contact. In response to the events, Rossel filed a civil lawsuit against Davis. As part of his release conditions from jail, Davis has been ordered to have no contact with her.
Background of Domestic Violence Allegations Against Davis
Davis’s brushes with legal troubles are not new. He has faced prior accusations related to domestic violence, though many previous cases were dropped or did not proceed to trial. Currently out of jail, Davis is reportedly in advanced negotiations for a rematch with Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, a fight anticipated this summer. Their previous bout in December 2021 ended with Davis winning by unanimous decision in Los Angeles.
Romero’s connection to Davis might inform his perception of the ongoing case, as he himself has navigated similar legal challenges.
Rolly Romero’s Experience With Legal Battles and Fight Cancellation
Romero was scheduled to face Davis on December 5, but he was removed from the fight following an accusation made against him through social media and a related report filed with Henderson Police Department in late October. Although he faced serious allegations, the police investigation concluded without charges, determining that the claims did not meet the legal criteria for sexual assault.
Addressing the situation publicly, Romero stated via Instagram,
After ‘false accusations, having to miss out on opportunities, cheated out of my dream, and out of a massive amount of wealth,’ the investigation into the allegations made against me has been formally closed,
he wrote. He further emphasized,
Charges were not filed because the allegations could not be substantiated, because, as I always stated, I am innocent.
Romero later faced Davis inside the ring in May 2022, where Davis won by knockout in the sixth round.
Implications and Outlook for Davis Amid Legal Challenges
Romero’s belief in Davis’s innocence reflects a hope that Davis can overcome the accusations, similar to how Romero’s own situation was resolved without charges. However, the extent of the allegations against Davis and their seriousness have created a tense atmosphere around the boxer’s future, both inside and outside the ring.
The outcome of the legal proceedings and the civil lawsuit filed by Rossel will significantly affect Davis’s career and public image. Meanwhile, the prospect of a rematch with Isaac Cruz continues to generate attention and anticipation, depending on how Davis navigates this ongoing controversy.
