Is Gervonta Davis Ducking the Tough Fights by Eyeing Lomachenko? Unpacking the Lightweight King’s Next Move

Gervonta “Tank” Davis is at a pivotal point in his boxing career. The undefeated lightweight champion has long been one of the most electrifying and talked-about figures in the sport, known for his knockout power and his ability to captivate boxing fans worldwide. However, his recent pursuit of a potential unification fight with Vasiliy Lomachenko has sparked a debate: is Davis looking for a safer option by targeting Lomachenko, or is he making a strategic move to secure a big-name fight that could cement his legacy? With the World Boxing Association (WBA) pressing Davis to face Lamont Roach Jr. or risk losing his title, many have wondered if Davis is sidestepping tougher challenges to ensure his position at the top of the lightweight division.

In this article, we will dive deep into the context surrounding Davis’s decision to target Lomachenko, the potential motivations behind this move, and whether it’s a smart move for his career or a calculated choice to avoid the more dangerous threats lurking in the division.

Gervonta Davis’s Recent Performances and Title Challenges

Before examining the Lomachenko situation, it’s important to understand where Davis currently stands in the lightweight division. At 27 years old, Davis has already made a name for himself as one of boxing’s most exciting and dangerous fighters. He has maintained an undefeated record, with his knockout power being a key feature of his success. However, despite his dominance in the ring, Davis has faced some challenges along the way, particularly in terms of competition.

In his most recent fight on March 1, 2025, Davis faced Lamont Roach Jr. at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The fight ended in a controversial majority draw, leaving fans and analysts questioning the fairness of the decision. Roach had scored a knockdown during the match, which added to the drama of the bout. However, what caught the most attention was the decision by referee Steve Willis to allow Davis to receive help after the knockdown, leading to allegations of bias in the match’s officiating. The result left many fans unsatisfied, and it seemed that the conclusion of the fight was far from definitive. In many ways, this draw further fueled the debate over who is truly the top lightweight in boxing right now.

Despite the controversy, Davis remained in possession of his WBA title, and the draw didn’t seem to tarnish his star power significantly. However, the WBA issued an ultimatum: Davis would need to face Lamont Roach Jr. again or risk losing his title. This is where things started to get interesting. While Roach would have been a natural rematch opponent, Davis’s team reportedly began exploring the possibility of a unification fight against Vasiliy Lomachenko, a name that could potentially elevate Davis’s career to new heights.

The Lomachenko Factor: A Potential Safe Bet?

Vasiliy Lomachenko, the former lightweight champion, is widely regarded as one of the best boxers of his generation. The Ukrainian has two Olympic gold medals under his belt and is known for his technical skill, lightning-fast footwork, and boxing IQ. Lomachenko’s style of fighting, often described as “matrix-like,” has earned him respect from fans and analysts alike. However, Lomachenko’s career has hit a few roadblocks in recent years. Most notably, at the age of 37, he has dealt with injuries and inactivity that have raised concerns about his ability to compete at the highest level.

Lomachenko’s last fight was in May 2024, a victory over Jamel Herring. Since then, he has been largely inactive. Additionally, Lomachenko’s age is a significant factor that can’t be ignored. At 37, Lomachenko is no longer in the prime of his career, and many question whether he has the physical capacity to face off against younger, stronger competitors like Davis, who is known for his ferocious power and relentless aggression.

However, Lomachenko is still a major name in the lightweight division. A win over Lomachenko would give Davis a high-profile victory and solidify his claim to being the top lightweight in boxing. But is this the type of challenge that Davis should be seeking at this stage of his career?

Some have argued that targeting Lomachenko might be a “safe” option for Davis, as Lomachenko’s inactivity and physical decline make him less of a threat than some of the other fighters in the division. In other words, Davis may be seeking a big name in the sport but one that is possibly past his prime—allowing Tank to secure a win without taking on the full risk of facing other rising stars or hungry competitors.

Alternative Options: Lamont Roach Jr. and Shakur Stevenson

While Lomachenko remains a tempting option for Davis, there are other potential opponents in the lightweight division who could offer more competitive challenges. One such fighter is Lamont Roach Jr., who has already fought Davis to a controversial draw. Roach is a skilled fighter, and his ability to land a knockdown in their previous bout suggests that he has the tools to trouble Davis. A rematch with Roach would settle the unfinished business between the two, and a clear win would go a long way in securing Davis’s position as one of the top fighters in the division.

However, another name that looms large in the lightweight division is Shakur Stevenson. The undefeated WBC lightweight champion is one of the most promising young talents in boxing. Stevenson has already made a name for himself with his incredible boxing technique and defensive abilities. His talent has been compared to some of the best defensive boxers in history, and he has the potential to be a major player in the lightweight division for years to come.

Shakur Stevenson has made it clear that he wants to face Davis in a unification bout. After Davis’s draw with Roach, Stevenson expressed his interest in fighting the WBA champion, stating that he would love to unify the lightweight titles in the future. A fight between Davis and Stevenson could be a true test of Davis’s boxing skills, as Stevenson’s style contrasts sharply with Davis’s knockout-heavy approach. Stevenson is known for his technical precision, and the fight would likely be a clash of styles—an enticing proposition for fans.

The Strategic Decision: Is Lomachenko a “Safe” Option?

Given the alternative options in the division, many fans and analysts have raised the question: is Davis opting for a safer route by targeting Lomachenko? The notion of Lomachenko being “past his prime” has gained traction in recent months, particularly considering his injuries and extended periods of inactivity. A win over Lomachenko could give Davis a major title while avoiding the potential risk of facing fighters like Shakur Stevenson or even a rematch with Lamont Roach, who would likely come into a second fight with a renewed sense of urgency.

However, it’s also possible that Davis sees a unification bout with Lomachenko as the most logical next step in his career. Lomachenko still holds significant name value, and a win over him would add to Davis’s growing legacy. Furthermore, Lomachenko has not shown a clear sign of being ready to retire, and his skills have not diminished to the point where he is a mere shadow of his former self. Even though Lomachenko is no longer in his prime, he remains a dangerous opponent, and the fight would still present a formidable challenge for Davis.

The Fans’ Perspective and the Future of Lightweight Boxing

Ultimately, the decision to pursue a fight with Lomachenko will likely come down to a mix of strategic and business considerations. Fans, on the other hand, have high expectations. They want to see the best possible matchups, and the prospect of Davis fighting Shakur Stevenson or a rematch with Lamont Roach offers the kind of drama and excitement that fans crave. However, a Lomachenko fight would certainly draw attention and would be a marquee event, given Lomachenko’s status in the sport.

Regardless of the outcome, the future of the lightweight division looks bright, and Gervonta Davis is in the perfect position to be at the center of it. Whether he decides to take on Lomachenko, Stevenson, or someone else, his career trajectory is set to shape the future of boxing. With the right strategic moves, Davis can continue to elevate his status, but the next few months will prove critical in determining how his legacy unfolds.

Conclusion: A Calculated Decision or a Safe Bet?

As Gervonta Davis explores his next big challenge, the debate over whether targeting Vasiliy Lomachenko is a “safe” option or a calculated career move is ongoing. Lomachenko remains one of the top names in boxing, but questions about his readiness and age loom large. Davis has multiple avenues open to him, with rematches and unification bouts all on the table. The next steps for Tank Davis will be critical not only for his career but for the future of the lightweight division. Fans and analysts alike will continue to scrutinize every move he makes, eager to see if he’s ready to take on the toughest challenges or if he will choose a path that avoids the most dangerous threats.