World Boxing News has learned that boxing superstar Gervonta Davis has held the MGM Grand for his penciled-in return on November 2.
Davis had initially offered Shakur Stevenson a deal at the T-Mobile Arena before his second-choice opponent dropped out of the running. Stevenson faces super featherweight Joe Cordina on October 12 in Saudi Arabia.
WBN has since been informed that the Baltimore native has also put the world-famous venue over the road on hold due to a potential clash with the Golden Knights hockey game against Utah on the same night. Unless the Knights move their match, Davis will have no choice but to look elsewhere as he continues to scout for potential victims.
‘Tank’ had wanted Vasiliy Lomachenko for a unification until the Ukrainian stated his desire to take the rest of 2024 off. WBN understands that further attempts to entice Lomachenko have been made, but the IBF lightweight champion is currently standing firm.
Gervonta Davis hunts for opponent
With those two foes out of reach, Davis, the WBA champion, is scrambling for a similar name. Isaac Cruz was one option for a rematch of their twelve-rounder in 2021 until ‘Pitbull’ lost to Jose Valenzuela at BMO Stadium earlier this month. Valenzuela could be one consideration as ‘El Rayo’ is signed to Premier Boxing Champions. Whether that will be a significant enough event for Al Haymon remains to be seen.
Following his incarceration after stopping Ryan Garcia, Davis wanted one run out before aiming for the top stars at 135. He easily stopped Frank Martin and hoped ‘Loma’ or Stevenson would step up. That scenario hasn’t happened, and with only just over two months to go, PBC has a job on its hands to land a PPV-worthy headliner.
Looking higher than 135 is always possible for Davis, who could consider Alberto Puello, Adrien Broner, or Gary Antuanne Russell. As we know, any second helping with Ryan Garcia cannot happen until at least April due to his suspension over failed drug tests.
Davis is probably in the most demanding spot he’s ever been in regarding securing an opponent the fans will support. The two-weight champion will be five days off his 30th birthday the next time he graces the ring and has to face fellow world rulers to keep his position as the face of Pay Per View boxing.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
