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Gervonta Davis will return to the ring this December when he faces Lamont Roach in a lightweight title clash.

Tank will defend his WBA lightweight crown in this bout and heads into this one off the back of beating Frank Martin in June.

That result stretched Davis’ record to 30-0-0, and he’s fast putting himself in contention as one of the greatest fighters of this generation.

For this contest, Davis is voluntarily defending his belt, while the WBA have granted his opponent special permission to move up a weight category.

Roach is the current super-featherweight WBA belt holder, but he’s prepared to take on Davis as a lightweight.

Gervonta Davis

There were reports that the event could be postponed until 2025 due to potential issues with the venue, but for now, it will take place in December.

Davis vs Roach: Date and how to follow

This lightweight title fight is set to take place on Saturday, December 14.

It is currently going to be held at the Toyota Center, Houston.

As it stands, the main event ringwalks are scheduled for around 4am UK time on Sunday morning.

As of yet, no UK broadcaster has claimed the rights to this fight, but there is plenty of time for that to change.

In the US, it’s set to be shown on Amazon Prime for $75.95.

talkSPORT will have all the build-up in fight week, and talkSPORT.com will have all the reaction.

To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the , on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

As the 2024 SportsPro rankings are unveiled, Biles solidifies her status as the pinnacle of commercial value in sports

In a stunning display of market prowess, Simone Biles has once again claimed her position as the world’s most commercially valuable athlete, leaving renowned stars like Lionel Messi and Vinicius Junior in her wake. With an impressive score of 96.16 out of 100, Biles cements her legacy as a powerhouse in sports marketing.

Vinicius Jr and Messi: The challengers

Following Biles, Brazilian sensation Vinicius Junior secured the second spot with a strong 91.52, while football legend Lionel Messi has slipped to fifth place with 89.67. Biles’s dominance highlights a remarkable shift in the commercial landscape, showcasing the rising influence of female athletes.

Simone Biles

Also making headlines is Caitlin Clark, who debuts in fourth place with a commendable 90.26. Her rapid ascent signals a new era for women in sports, challenging the long-standing male-dominated narratives.

A balanced representation in rankings

The 2024 rankings reveal a noteworthy gender balance, featuring 28 male and 22 female athletes. This shift emphasizes the increasing recognition and value of female athletes in the commercial arena.

The rankings are determined through a comprehensive evaluation of brand strength, market potential, and economic impact, offering insights into each athlete’s commercial worth.

With the sports sponsorship market projected to soar to $102 billion by 2030, brands are keen to align themselves with top athletes, making this year’s rankings more crucial than ever. As the full list of the top ten most marketable athletes of 2024 is revealed, the spotlight remains firmly on Simone Biles as she continues to redefine what it means to be a leading force in sports marketing.

Shakur Stevenson has made it clear that he will pursue a lightweight unification bout against Gervonta Davis in 2025.

The undefeated defensive master is currently sidelined recovering from a hand injury but has informed fans that he aims to return in February against number one contender William Zepeda before finally making the match-up with knockout artist ‘Tank.’

Stevenson will likely be doing this under the promotional banner of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing having left Bob Arum’s Top Rank after years of partnership.

Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Arum wished his former charge the best and said that he would continue to be a fan.

Gervonta Davis

“Shakur is a great fighter really a tremendous talent and I like him very much. We made a big offer to him which he turned down for whatever reason and I really wish him the best of luck, whether that’s with Eddie Hearn or with another promoter that doesn’t matter to me. Shakur is a tremendous tremendous talent and I want to see many more of his fights.”

He went on to say that Stevenson, currently the WBC Champion at 135, beats everybody in the division, including Davis, and may only struggle with Vasiliy Lomachenko should the Ukrainian return to the ring.

“I think Shakur beats everybody at 135 that’s been mentioned. Maybe if Lomachenko keeps fighting, Loma could make a tremendous matchup with him, but other than that I don’t see anybody with the skills to face and beat Shakur.”

Previously, the 93-year-old promoter has told Boxing Scene that he thinks Stevenson, Lomachenko and Teofimo Lopez – currently super-lightweight champion – have the beating of ‘Tank’, saying, “all three would beat Davis, I really believe that.”

While an opponent has not yet been announced, the former two-division world champion is back in training for a December 14 appearance.

Jermall Charlo is gearing up for his next fight, set to take place on December 14, joining the undercard of the Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. event. The card will be broadcast live on PBC’s Prime PPV from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, Charlo’s hometown. It’s been a while since we’ve seen the former two-division world champion in the ring. Charlo (33-0, 22 KOs) recently posted a video of himself training, showing off his sharpness and conditioning. Though his opponent is still unknown, the buildup is stirring curiosity as fans wonder what Charlo has left in the tank.

At 34 years old, Charlo is trying to remind the world of his talents after a period of inactivity and lackluster opposition. His last major victory came in 2016 when he beat Julian “J-Rock” Williams. Since then, he hasn’t faced many top-tier opponents. His fight against Sergiy Derevyanchenko in 2020 was solid, but it wasn’t enough to keep his momentum going. For many fans, it’s been frustrating to see someone with Charlo’s talent not take on bigger challenges. But in this sport, long layoffs and missed opportunities can easily cause a fighter to lose relevance.

Gervonta Davis

 

Now, he has a chance to rebuild some of that lost ground. Rumors suggest this could even be a warm-up for a potential showdown with Canelo Alvarez next year, though that idea is already dividing opinions. If Jermall manages to win decisively on December 14, it could put him in line for a shot at Canelo’s super middleweight titles in May 2025. But let’s be honest – fans aren’t too thrilled about that possibility. Charlo’s inactivity and the caliber of his recent opposition don’t make him an ideal contender for Canelo, and boxing fans know that. They want to see Canelo face fighters who are active, in their prime, and consistently challenging top-tier opponents, not someone who has been on the sidelines for so long.

The question remains: will Charlo get a tough opponent on December 14, or will this just be another tune-up fight? Based on his performance against Jose Benavidez Jr. last year, where he scored a unanimous decision after ten rounds, it seems unlikely that he’ll face anyone too dangerous this time around. He’s been out of the ring too long to risk a major challenge. Premier Boxing Champions probably won’t match him up with a serious contender like Diego Pacheco or Christian Mbilli – Charlo’s last performance didn’t suggest he’s ready for that level of competition yet.

Gervonta Davis

This event is also clearly aimed at boosting pay-per-view buys. Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. will be headlining, but there’s a sense that it might not generate enough buzz on its own, especially at the typical $74.95 price point. Adding Charlo to the mix helps to grab more attention, especially since he’s fighting in Houston, where he still has a solid fan base. Whether that translates into a memorable fight or just a filler bout remains to be seen.

For now, all eyes are on Charlo’s preparation. He’s stepping back into the spotlight with a lot to prove, not just to the fans but to himself. Whether he can deliver a performance worthy of future big-name fights is the real question. Fans will find out on December 14.

The overlooked power behind Mayweather’s boxing stardom

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is often hailed as one of the greatest boxers of all time, but there’s a key figure in his rise to stardom that often gets overlooked. While Mayweather’s talent and hard work are undeniable, there are others who played a pivotal role in shaping his career. One such influential figure is Bob Arum, the renowned boxing promoter.

In a recent conversation with Matt Lenihan on Boxing Social, boxing journalist Gareth A. Davies shed light on the significant impact of Bob Arum in Mayweather’s career.

Davies highlighted a rare appearance of Arum and Mayweather Jr. together at a promotional event, emphasizing how people tend to forget the instrumental role played by Arum in shaping Mayweather’s career. He also pointed out that Oscar De La Hoya had a share in it as well.

Floyd Mayweather

Davies expressed, “You had Floyd Mayweather with Bob Arum who promoted him. Then you had those guys back together again and kind of talking around each other, just for that promotion. Obviously, they don’t talk. But people forget that Bob helped to build Floyd, you know. They really do forget that, and Oscar, by the way.”

It’s important to recognize that Mayweather Jr.’s early career was significantly influenced by Bob Arum’s promotional efforts. Despite the fact that Mayweather’s uncle, Roger Mayweather, played a crucial role in honing his skills, it was Arum who provided the platform for Mayweather to showcase his talent to the world. This partnership between Mayweather and Arum under the Top Rank banner was a defining phase in the boxer’s journey to greatness.

The partnership that shaped boxing history

Davies’ insights serve as a reminder that behind every successful athlete, there are often unsung heroes who contribute to their success. In Mayweather’s case, Bob Arum’s role as a promoter and mentor was instrumental in shaping the trajectory of his career.

Floyd Mayweather

As Mayweather himself once stated, “When I leave, I will be known as TBE, and that’s The Best Ever.” This statement reflects not only his confidence but also the profound impact of those who supported and guided him along the way.

The conversation around Mayweather’s legacy is incomplete without acknowledging the significant contributions of individuals like Bob Arum and Oscar De La Hoya. Their influence and support were integral in shaping Mayweather’s journey to becoming one of the most celebrated boxers in history.

Jake Paul is scheduled to fight Mike Tyson on November 1 in Arlington, Texas

Jake Paul is taking his ventures beyond the boxing ring and into the restaurant world with his latest partnership.

The YouTuber-turned-boxing sensation has teamed up with Dog Haus, an award-winning fast-casual restaurant chain, to become a 25-unit franchisee.

Jake Paul’s new knockout business plan

Paul’s expansion into the restaurant business will begin with four Texas locations, strategically timed ahead of his upcoming fight with boxing legend Mike Tyson on November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Mike Tyson

“This multifaceted partnership spans across the Dog Haus ecosystem, including marketing leadership, in-store experience, culinary innovation, franchise ownership, and the overall strategic vision of the brand,” Paul’s team announced in a statement.

The collaboration between Paul and Dog Haus goes far beyond a typical endorsement deal.

In addition to owning the franchise units, Paul will also take a seat on Dog Haus’ board of directors, working closely with the brand’s leadership to help shape its future growth.

His first stores will open across Texas, including in Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, before expanding to other regions like Florida and Puerto Rico.

“I’m all in,” Paul said during a recent visit to a Dog Haus location in Arlington.

“I’ve been a fan of Dog Haus for years, and I’m fired up to push the limits and help take this amazing brand to a whole new level. I’m jumping in their corner and excited to introduce their food and experience to everyone across the country!”

Dog Haus CEO Michael Montagano shared the backstory of how the partnership formed, crediting Paul’s spontaneous visit to one of their Texas locations before his originally scheduled fight with Tyson.

Mike Tyson

Impressed by the experience, Paul reached out, sparking a conversation that would eventually lead to the partnership.

The timing of the collaboration couldn’t be better for Dog Haus.

The brand will play a prominent role in promoting Paul’s highly anticipated match against Tyson.

Dog Haus will be a branding partner for the fight, offering special promotions, in-store experiences, and even new menu items in the lead-up to the event.

In celebration of the fight, Dog Haus will host “Fight Night Haus Parties” at all of its locations nationwide on November 15, offering fans a chance to connect with the action.

Select locations will also provide the opportunity for fans to meet Paul in person.

Ryan Garcia is adamant that he wants to run it back with Gervonta Davis following their fight in 2023.

The cross-promotional affair was a box office and ticket smash, with fans praising both men for putting their undefeated records on the line at a crucial moment in their careers.

It was ‘Tank’ Davis who came out on top clearly, dropping Garcia in the second round before ending the contest for good with a body shot in the seventh.

Garcia has been vocal in the aftermath about the 136lbs catchweight and 10lbs rehydration clause seriously affecting his performance.

Gervonta Davis

Oscar De La Hoya, who promotes the 26-year-old, said he advised against taking the fight with those stipulations. However, speaking on Club Shay Shay, De La Hoya was refreshingly honest in his verdict on a rematch with no such weight clauses. Instead of blindly backing his fighter, he admitted Davis may just be too good.

Does [Ryan] beat Tank if he doesn’t have the rehydration clause? I don’t know. I just do not know. Tank is very skilful, he’s a beast, he knows how to figure you out, but one thing about Tank, which I love and this is why he’s gonna be great, he fights. And when you fight, you’re gonna get hit, and you might get knocked out.

That’s the beauty of Tank – he fights and that’s why they love him. That’s a perfect example. Tank Davis is a star.”

Gervonta Davis

‘Tank’ went on the be elevated to WBA Lightweight World Champion and has since made one defence of his belt – a knockout of Frank Martin. He will put it on the line a second time against Lamont Roach Jr this December.

Garcia moved up to super-lightweight and defeated WBC Champion Devin Haney, although because he came in overweight he was ineligible to win the belt. Things went from bad to worse when it was revealed he had twice tested positive for a banned substance. The result was overturned to a no contest and Garcia has been banned for a year.

The Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. fight is slowly but surely picking up heat. After an underwhelming reaction during the announcement, fans and experts are warming up to the upcoming WBA lightweight title fight slated for December 14 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Both these fighters have also engaged in several online spats that have only helped hype their upcoming match.

This fight is shaping up to be a technical bout with a sensational undercard. Both of them are strong and though Tank is an astoundingly heavy favorite, experts and boxers are still not counting out Lamont Roach completely. Ahead of the fight, FightHype sat down with Richardson Hitchins and Kenneth Sims Jr. to know their views regarding the fight and their answers might surprise you.

gervonta davis Lamont Roach Jr

FightHype asked the undefeated super lightweight Hitchins about the history between him and the two fighters and what everyone can expect from their fight. The New York resident talked about the similarities between Tank and Roach and advised the fans to not take the latter lightly. Hitchins was sure that the 25-1 boxer would stun everyone and it would be a brilliant fight.

“Lamont came up in the same type of environment as Tank. They both got a lot of similarities. I think a lot of people are writing Lamont off because of loss against Jamel Herring, but he has shown consistency over the years,” stated Hitchins while talking about how Roach has turned his career around since the loss against Herring in 2019.

The 18-0 boxer then promised the fight to be a technical feat and stated that even he was looking forward to the fight. While talking about who will have the upper hand in a technical fight, Richardson Hitchins stated, “It is going to be a great technical fight. Tank is a defensive genius. He knows how to protect himself and knows ways to maneuver.”

Gervonta Davis

He further stated that if the fight gets dragged to later rounds, Tank will have a clear advantage because of his near-perfect defense. According to Hitchins, Roach should try to finish the fight early because if it comes to the later rounds, there is a high chance that Davis will drag the fight to his pace to get the desired result. While defending Roach as a capable opponent for Gervonta Davis, Hitchins added, “It’s not just like Tank is just picking out a bum. Lamont probably knows how to fight more than a lot of guys Tank fought.” 

On the other hand, the welterweight sensation Kenneth Sims Jr. who has fought against both Roach and Davis, also shared his views about the fight and stated what these fighters must do to win the match.

As if getting a special gift from your boyfriend who just returned from a successful European campaign was enough! Just moments after revealing the surprise she received from Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles had another major news to share with her fans, and this time, the achievement came as a nod to the struggles she went through in her life.

In her recent Instagram story, the Olympian shared the major milestone the recently released documentary Simone Biles: Rising has achieved. Revealing that the Netflix show has bagged a Best Sports Documentary nomination at the Critics Choice Documentary Awards, Biles also expressed her elation over it. “My jaw just dropped,” her jubilation is understandable, and the 7x Olympic gold medalist doesn’t even try to hide her ecstatic feeling.

Biles shared an Instagram post by Katie Walsh, the director of the Netflix docu-series, which broke the news first. “So honored to be nominated for TWO @criticschoice documentary awards and in company with an amazing collection of films!” the film director wrote in her post. Obviously, the gymnast couldn’t hold back on her happiness, especially considering that the show only has one season till now.

Simone Biles

And in her social media update, Biles also pointed it out, noting how special it feels for her as well. “So grateful & blessed,” the Houston native remarked in her IG story from today. Her latest milestone will surely give Simone something to gloat about as she travels across the country with her Gold Over America Tour squad helping the sport to gain more exposure. While Jonathan Owens’ wife is justifiably having a hard time holding back on her emotions, the triumph of the Netflix documentary will once again reaffirm the faith Walsh has in the gymnast’s prowess, and how she commends the struggles Biles has gone through.

Walsh’s admiration of Simone Biles bolstered

While the 27-year-old gymnastics GOAT’s performance in Paris for the 33rd Olympic Games was emphatic, it was even sweeter for those who remembered how things transpired in Tokyo three years ago. Biles’ run-in with the twisties caused her to lose her focus and she pulled out of the final. While her coach and family stood by her decision the fans’ view of it wasn’t the same. They were quick to slam Simone as a quitter, claiming that leaving her teammates to fend for themselves in the final wasn’t a very nice move. The collective clamor sent the WCC gymnastics into a hiatus, only to return after a couple of years and reinstate herself as the greatest star of the sport that there ever was.

A potential match between Gervonta Davis and Vasyl Lomachenko was supposed to be the next big match-up of 2024 for boxing fans. Two of the top boxers at 135 lbs were supposed to have a lightweight title unification in December. But the negotiations fell through as Lomachenko wanted to take the rest of 2024 off. There were similar issues when it came to other top fights as well. Be it in the case of Shakur StevensonWilliam ZepedaGeorge Kambosos Jr., or even Devin Haney, the fights simply never moved past initial social media callouts. This has led many to claim that Tank has been avoiding top-level opponents for years. Or, maybe the promoters are to blame for the fights not happening.

This claim has now grown stronger with the announcement of Gervonta Davis’ next opponent for December. WBA Super Featherweight champion Lamont Roach Jr. will be moving up a division to face Tank on December 14 at Houston’s Toyota Center. Since the announcement, fans have been slamming Tank and his team for putting together another matchup no one asked for. This sentiment spilled over into an online spat when former Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe decided to defend the upcoming bout.

Gervonta Davis 

It ain’t Gervonta Davis’ fault

The dispute began when Ellerbe responded to a compilation video featuring Lomachenko and his promoter, Bob Arum, sharing differing opinions about the fighter’s prospects. The video included a 2017 clip in which Lomachenko contended that a fight with Davis could only happen if Loma were to sign with Showtime, but as he was already with ESPN, the bout wasn’t possible.

One fan quoted the video and questioned how Floyd Mayweather was able to secure major fights with ease, while Tank Davis, despite having almost the same team, with Ellerbe too being a part of it, seemed to struggle to find top-level opponents.

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