BAM…. Victory is always so sweet. Is it not?
After a 14-month hiatus, lightweight boxing sensation Gervonta “Tank” Davis made a triumphant return to the ring, defeating Frank “The Ghost” Martin to retain his WBA title at 135 pounds. The event took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, where Davis, entering with a perfect record, showcased his skills against the previously unbeaten Martin.
GERVONTA DAVIS KNOCKS OUT FRANK MARTIN IN THE 8TH ROUND! WOW#Boxingpic.twitter.com/X7oTWE4t6I
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 16, 2024
Adorned in “Ghostbusters” themed attire, Davis and his team set the tone for the evening. The 29-year-old boxer had not fought since his previous bout against Ryan Garcia, followed by a 44-day jail sentence for violating his house arrest terms. Despite this, Davis displayed a dominant performance, concluding with a decisive victory at 1:29 of the eighth round.
The fight began with Davis showing signs of rust, which he attributed to his long break from the ring. However, he quickly adjusted, effectively cornering Martin and landing powerful shots that neutralized Martin’s jab. The turning point came when Davis delivered a stunning left uppercut followed by a left cross that nearly ended the fight on the spot. Martin managed to stand up but was clearly shaken, prompting the referee to end the bout after evaluating his condition.
Gervonta Davis beats Frank Martin by KO in Las Vegas #Andstill WBA Lightweight Champion @Gervontaa #Boxing #Boxeo #WBA #WBABoxing #DavisMartin pic.twitter.com/vhQoOpclIg
— WBA Boxing (@WBABoxing) June 16, 2024
Davis’s strategy focused heavily on body shots, with CompuBox statistics revealing he landed an impressive 53% of his power shots. Although Martin slightly edged out Davis in total punches landed, Davis’s efficiency was decisive. Reflecting on his performance, Davis highlighted the significance of the uppercut and his lifelong training regimen that started when he was only seven years old.
While Martin regained some respect with his counterattacks, he could not maintain momentum against Davis’s relentless pressure. Martin admitted that he became too comfortable and lost his movement strategy, which allowed Davis to capitalize with significant blows.
“Did you talk to Frank(Martin) at all after the fight?”
Gervonta Davis: “Nah, but hopefully we’ll link up. I have nothing bad against him, no bad blood. Hopefully we can link up..him and Errol(Spence), they my guys”
🤝🤝#Boxing #TankMartin
🔥🔥🥊🥊🥊🎥: @Seckbach pic.twitter.com/h8MpQRIWw6
— Danny (@dantheboxingman) June 16, 2024
After the fight, Davis expressed his desire to stay focused and improve, though he did not commit to any specific future opponent. Rumors suggest possible title unification fights against other notable lightweights like Vasiliy Lomachenko and Shakur Stevenson. Davis also reflected on his recent incarceration, noting that it had a maturing effect on him, making him a better person, father, and athlete.
The event also featured other notable bouts, including David Benavidez’s win over Oleksandr Gvozdyk in his light heavyweight debut, and significant victories for Alberto Puello and Carlos Adames in their respective fights. This historic 100th championship boxing event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena highlighted a memorable night of boxing, marking another milestone in the careers of Davis and other fighters.
Major Points
- Gervonta “Tank” Davis successfully defended his WBA lightweight title, defeating Frank “The Ghost” Martin in a fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
- Davis, returning from a 14-month break and recent legal issues, showcased a dominant performance, stopping Martin in the eighth round.
- He landed 53% of his power shots, demonstrating high efficiency and control throughout the fight.
- Despite early rust, Davis used powerful body shots and strategic pressure to dismantle Martin’s defenses.
- The event marked the 100th championship boxing match at the venue, with other notable wins including David Benavidez and Carlos Adames in their respective bouts.
Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
