Undefeated featherweight professional boxer Gervonta “Tank” Davis (Baltimore, MD/pro record: 8-0, 8 KOs) returns to the ring on Wednesday, October 8, 2014, at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Davis will face German “Panteonero” Meraz (47-31-1, 25 KOs) in a six round bout. Davis’ fight will be televised on ESPN 2, and is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing & Promotions, LLC. In the main event, Arkansas’ Jermain Taylor will challenge Australia’s Sam Soliman for the IBF Middleweight Title.
On Friday night, September 26, 2014, Davis held a pre-fight public workout titled, “Bullying Stops Here,” at Mondawmin Mall center court in Baltimore, Maryland. The exhibition included mitt work, heavy bag drills, jump rope, and various other training exercises. Following the workout, Davis spoke to the crowd about bullying, signed autographs and took pictures with his supporters. Davis said, “The public workout at Mondawmin Mall was great. Thank you to everyone who showed up to support me. Bullying is a very important topic in our country right now, and I wanted to make sure everyone is aware of how people can be hurt by it. At the workout, a few boxers from my gym shared some stories we’ve had with bullying. Hopefully, we helped someone in the crowd who was watching. Bullying definitely stops here!”
Davis spoke about his upcoming televised fight. He said, “I’ve always dreamed about making my television debut, and now it will happen on October 8. Thank you Al Haymon, Team Davis, and ESPN2, for helping make my dream come true. I’ve been putting in solid work in the gym and I will be ready for my fight. This will be my first time fighting in Mississippi, so I’m looking forward to putting on a show for the crowd. I can’t wait to represent for my city of Baltimore. Thank you to my fans that keep supporting me. I’ll keep fighting for you.”
The nineteen-year old boxer explained what makes him special in the sport of boxing. He said, “I am still learning the sport of boxing, but I study this sport, and I’ve been boxing since I was a young kid. I’m fast in that ring, and I’ve fought against boxers with lots of different styles when I was in the amateurs. I’ve sparred many great pros as well. I consider myself an intelligent fighter, always listening to my corner and my coach Calvin Ford. The great boxers stay focused on what they are supposed to do, and they can adjust to any fight situation. I understand that fans need to be entertained, and I’m definitely that guy that can bring excitement to the sport of boxing. All I can say is tune in to ESPN2 on Wednesday, October 8, and watch me!”
Gervonta’s longtime boxing trainer, Calvin Ford (Upton Boxing Center/Baltimore, MD) said, “It was great to see such public support for our team at our mall workout. Thank you Mondawmin Mall, Kenny and Mia Ellis, Alijiah Williams, Daniel Coleman, Darrell Chase, Shoe City, Rich Brand Apparel, Nike Boxing, and RK Jewelers for helping make our event really special. The public workout allowed our city to get a glimpse of what ‘Tank’ can do, and how he can entertain a crowd. Gervonta was talking to the kids about doing well in school, spoke about bullying, and he really brought a positive showmanship to the event.”
Ford talked about Davis’ preparation for his upcoming bout. “We have had a great camp for this fight. Thank you to Club One Fitness and Upton Boxing Center for helping provide the quality sparring for our camp. We are facing a crafty veteran opponent in Meraz, but we’ll be prepared for whatever he brings to the table. ‘Tank’ has worked hard his whole life to get this TV opportunity, and it’s no secret that he has the talent to eventually get to the top of his division. We are looking forward to getting back in the ring to show what we’ve been working on for this fight. I can’t wait for the world to see his talent on ESPN2.”
