Gervonta Davis versus Shakur Stevenson is one of the best fights to be made in boxing – both undefeated, both champions and both with a unique style that couldn’t be further from the other’s.
Hall of Fame fight turner analyst Tim Bradley went from saying Stevenson would outbox Davis ‘very easily’ to, just two weeks later, saying he could see a route for Davis to win either by knockout or on points.
Speaking to FightHype, Bradley explained the change of view on the fight was down to form in latest performances.
“People are saying you’re flip-flopping, let me just talk about that. I look at fighter’s styles and what they bring, I study film, I see what affects that guy like Shakur can give Tank. Whether Tank loses the first four rounds purposely or not, he can be outboxed. That’s just it.
But, going back to each guy’s performance, what Tank has done recently, what Shakur has done in his last two fights – lacklustre performances – you gotta look at the two. Yeah, Shakur’s style can give Tank fits, but what weaknesses did I see last time out? Of course he can get better, but this guy that he faced wasn’t a crazy puncher like Tank.”
Davis impressed with a knockout against previously-undefeated Frank Martin, taking his time and edging closer as he does. On the other hand, Stevenson’s last two outings have been heavily criticised by fans, fighters and analysts as being overly defensive and not entertaining.
After admitting that Stevenson’s last performance could be down to hand injuries, Bradley still sent a warning the 27-year-old’s way.
“If you fight Tank in that fashion, where he’s able to get off heat, and you don’t give him nothing in return, he’s gonna stop you. He’s gonna catch you, he’s gonna hurt you, he’s gonna stop you. So I see the fight as 50/50 now.”
The fight, should it happen, looks likely to wait until 2025 as ‘Tank’ enters talks with IBF Champion Vasily Lomachenko and Shakur targets a contender, potentially William Zepeda or George Kambosos Jr.
