The long-anticipated return of Gervonta Davis to the boxing ring, originally set for March 2025 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn against Lamont Roach Jr., has been canceled. The announcement comes after a series of changes to the fight’s schedule and location. Initially, the bout was slated for December 14, 2024, in Houston, but it was postponed without explanation to March 2025 and moved to Brooklyn. Now, the fight has been called off altogether.
Davis himself revealed the news on Instagram, stating, “The fight is f–king canceled.” His post was later shared by the ‘Everything Boxing’ Twitter page, but Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), the event organizers, have yet to confirm the cancellation. Interestingly, Lamont Roach Jr. appeared unaware of the development, as he posted a workout video on Instagram shortly after Davis’s announcement, adding to the confusion.
Many fans speculate that the cancellation may stem from online criticism Davis faced regarding the fight. Some viewed the matchup with Roach as a step backward for Davis, now in his 11th year as a professional boxer at the age of 30. Having previously fought high-profile opponents like Ryan Garcia in 2023, Davis’s supporters expected him to face tougher competition. The choice of Roach, a super featherweight who narrowly defeated Hector Garcia by split decision in 2023, was seen as underwhelming.
‼️ Gervonta Davis: “The fight is f**king cancel..” pic.twitter.com/hRHJ5nsTZi
— EverythingBoxing (@EverythingBoxi2) December 23, 2024
The backlash was immediate, with fans expressing relief at the cancellation. One social media user commented, “Nobody wanted to see that bulls–t. I just want Tank to fight somebody good.” Roach, despite being a WBA champion, had to secure permission to move up to lightweight for the match, further highlighting the mismatch in expectations.
Prominent figures in boxing also weighed in. Oscar De La Hoya seized the opportunity to extend an invitation to Davis, suggesting, “@Gervontaa_ Give me a call if you need a fight, I have the perfect guy for you.” Meanwhile, Bill Haney, father of lightweight champion Devin Haney, criticized Davis for allegedly avoiding stronger competition. Many fans echoed this sentiment, with one stating, “I think Gervonta has a debilitating fear of being beaten.”
Despite the criticism, some fans were disappointed by the cancellation, citing Davis’s repeated delays and rescheduling of fights as frustrating. Davis has also hinted at retiring after 2025, citing a lack of enthusiasm for the sport. This announcement has fueled further speculation about his commitment to boxing.
Looking ahead, fans have proposed potential opponents for Davis if he decides to stay active. Suggestions include Shakur Stevenson or Keyshawn Davis, depending on their availability. For now, with PBC silent on the matter, fans eagerly await clarity on Davis’s future plans. Whether the cancellation was a strategic move or a genuine issue, it has undoubtedly kept the spotlight on Davis, with fans and critics closely watching his next steps.