The boxing community gathered in London for the prestigious Ring Awards, but one absence sparked significant conversation: Gervonta Davis. The lightweight champion, nicknamed “Tank,” appeared frustrated after being seemingly excluded from the event. His displeasure surfaced in now-deleted social media posts, where he criticized both the event organizers and those who attended. Speculation suggests that Davis may not be on the best terms with the Riyadh Season team, though the reasons for his absence remain unclear.
Adding fuel to the fire, Terence Crawford responded to Davis’ frustration with a mocking tweet, saying, “I see somebody mad they weren’t invited to the @ringmagazine gala. 😂😂.” This interaction is the latest in an ongoing rivalry between the two champions, who have traded insults and challenges over time. Crawford’s tweet followed Davis’ social media rant, where the latter questioned the integrity of the awards process, accusing the organizers of favoritism and dismissing their contributions to boxing.
I see somebody mad they wasn’t invited to the @ringmagazine gala.😂😂
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) January 14, 2025
In his posts, Davis expressed his anger over being excluded, calling out specific individuals like Eddie Hearn, whom he referred to as a “little rat.” He also criticized the Riyadh Season head, accusing them of failing to uplift the sport in their own region. Davis’ statements suggested frustration with the broader direction of boxing, particularly the emphasis on international opportunities over domestic development.
Fans might recall that Davis previously announced his intention to retire by the end of 2025 during a press conference for his fight against Lamont Roach. This announcement raises questions about why the lack of an invitation to the Ring Awards mattered to him so much. Some argue that Davis, given his stature and achievements, deserved recognition, while others view his reaction as unnecessary drama.
This isn’t the first time Crawford has taken a shot at Davis. Following his victory over Errol Spence Jr., Crawford dismissed Davis’ claim that he could compete at 147 pounds, suggesting that Davis would face a harsh reality at that weight class. Despite the back-and-forth, a fight between the two seems unlikely, as Crawford is focused on a potential bout with Canelo Alvarez later this year.
Meanwhile, Davis is set to face Lamont Roach Jr. at the Barclays Center on March 1, a fight eagerly awaited by his fans. While Davis’ exclusion from the awards and his subsequent outburst have sparked debate, the incident underscores the larger tensions within boxing’s elite circle.
What do you think—was Gervonta Davis justified in his reaction, or was it unnecessary?