Gervonta Davis vs Shakur Stevenson offers a fascinating clash of styles between two of the best boxers in the sport.
Davis, the current WBA lightweight champion, is a knockout artist that carries power in both hands but also boasts a high boxing IQ and uses traps and footwork to set up his opponents.
Shakur, the WBC champion, is one of the most skilled fighters in boxing, using his defense and judge of distance to excel at the old boxing adage of ‘hit and don’t get hit’.
A unification clash between the pair would be pitting the top two in the division against each other, with many fans and pundits split as to who would come out on top.
Speaking on Pro Box TV, legendary trainer turned analyst, Teddy Atlas, says ‘Tank’ is the man at 135 and is the only one who can beat Shakur.
“Tank Davis. Tank Davis is the man. Right now he’s in his prime, he can do everything. Forget about the fact he’s the harder puncher and all of that, but he’s also a terrific counter-puncher, sets traps, can use his legs when he has to, he’s patient when he needs to be, deliberate, cerebral. Right now he’s the complete package.
He’s probably the only guy I can think of beating Shakur Stevenson right now. Shakur Stevenson is that difficult because of his style, his ability, his eyes, legs, hand speed, the way that he controls range. Tank Davis is the only guy I can see that can possibly decipher Shakur Stevenson. That’s how good he is. That’s why he’s the man.”
Davis had look set to face IBF champion Vasiliy Lomachenko next but the Ukrainian pulled the plug on negotiations, perhaps leaving the door open to make the Stevenson fight.
