Crawford’s Dislike for Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis
Terence Crawford, the former four-division world champion, has voiced his strong dislike for Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis. In a recent interview with Cigar Talk, Crawford expressed his disdain for Davis, stating, "I don’t like that dude because I don’t like him. I don’t like nothing about him." Crawford accuses Davis of being arrogant and using his fame and security to shield himself. He also points out that Davis is surrounded by security guards and only acts a certain way because he is in the limelight. Crawford’s personal animosity toward Davis is palpable, and he seems to view him as a performer who is more concerned with his image than with the purity of the sport.
Crawford Picks Stevenson to Beat Davis
Crawford is not just expressing his personal feelings; he is also making a bold prediction in the boxing world. He believes that WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson would beat Gervonta Davis. Crawford’s reasoning is rooted in Stevenson’s defensive prowess. He asserts, " Tank is not going to be able to hit Shakur like he hit everybody else. He knows that, and that’s why, ‘He’s boring. He’s this, he’s that.’” However, Crawford’s focus on Stevenson’s non-engagement and avoidance of getting hit is a double-edged sword. While it highlights Stevenson’s defensive skills, it also underlines the criticism that fans have about his fighting style, which is often described as boring and reminiscent of the early 2000s Mayweather-esque style.
Stevenson’s Poor Recent Performances
Despite Crawford’s confidence in Stevenson, the fact remains that Stevenson has had poor performances in his last two fights. His matches against Artem Harutyunyan and Edwin De Los Santos were lackluster, causing fans to walk out and boo him. Stevenson’s defensive style, while effective, has not been entertaining and has left many questioning his worthiness of a fight against a superstar like Davis. Crawford’s support for Stevenson seems to be based more on personal loyalty than on the current form and marketability of the fighter. Stevenson’s inability to engage and entertain the crowd has been a significant issue, and it is something that could haunt him if he ever faces Davis.
Davis’s Career Trajectory
Gervonta Davis, on the other hand, has been on a different trajectory. He has already moved up two divisions from his starting point at 126 pounds and is currently a dominant force at 135 pounds. Crawford’s suggestion that Davis would never move up to 154 pounds is puzzling, given Davis’s history of moving up in weight. Crawford himself is moving up to 168 pounds for a one-off fight against Canelo Alvarez, a move driven by the potential for a significant payday. This comparison highlights the different paths the two fighters are taking, with Davis focusing on maintaining his dominance at his current weight class while Crawford seeks a lucrative opportunity.
The Boring Truth About Stevenson
Crawford’s defense of Stevenson’s style, calling him a "different fighter" and praising his defensive skills, does not change the fact that Stevenson’s recent performances have been lackluster. Stevenson’s fight against Floyd Schofield is buried on an undercard, which is a clear indication of his declining marketability. Crawford’s assertion that Tank would not be able to hit Stevenson is a point of contention. Many fans and analysts believe that Davis’s power and aggression would eventually overwhelm Stevenson’s defensive tactics. Crawford’s support for Stevenson seems to be more about his personal feelings than an objective assessment of the fighters’ abilities.
Conclusion
Terence Crawford’s dislike for Gervonta Davis and his prediction that Shakur Stevenson would beat Davis are rooted in his personal opinions and Stevenson’s defensive style. However, Stevenson’s recent poor performances and his inability to engage the crowd have made him a less appealing opponent. Davis, with his power and marketability, remains a formidable force in the lightweight division. Crawford’s efforts to trash-talk Davis into giving Stevenson a fight are unlikely to succeed, as Davis is aware of Crawford’s motives. The boxing world will continue to watch with interest as these dynamics play out, but for now, it seems that Crawford’s predictions and personal biases are just that—personal.
