Gervonta Davis loses IBF title on the scales

Gervonta Davis

GERVONTA DAVIS has been stripped of his IBF super-featherweight title after coming in at 132lbs, two pounds over the division limit, for his defence against Francisco Fonseca. The contest was shceduled to be co-main event to Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor at the T-Mobile Arena.

Tipped by many as a future superstar, Davis was an hour late to the scales but failed to make 130lbs while Fonseca sat and ate a pear after coming in right on the limit. Under IBF rules, Davis – who declined the opportunity to make weight within two hours – will lose his title and it will be declared vacant. If Fonseca agrees to go ahead with the 12-rounder as expected, he can claim the belt with a victory.

“I’m young, I’m growing,” Davis tweeted afterwards. “I had a chance to make the weight [but] I knew I couldn’t make it and that’s that. I will have a belt again.

“My fans and supporters, I apologise. I will make it up!”

Davis last fought in May, defeating Liam Walsh at the Copper Box Arena in May and needed four visits to the scales then. After thrashing Walsh, he announced he would be on the Mayweather-McGregor show but he’s looked out of sorts for much of fight week.

However, at Thursday’s press conference, the 22-year-old indicated everything had gone to plan during training.

“Saturday night is going to be a great performance from me,” Davis predicted. “I’m ready to take over this sport after Floyd passes me the torch.

“I had a great camp. I hope Fonseca’s camp was great because we have to put on a great performance for the fans. I want the fans to say that there is a new star in this sport.

“I feel like my career is very similar to Floyd’s so far. We started out at the same weight and we each got our first belt at 130-pounds. I just want to live up to what he’s accomplished and accomplish even more. I believe that I have the skills and the ability to be the big star in this sport.

“I just try to stay grounded because I know what I want to do in this sport. Because I have the belief in myself it’s easy for me to stay focused. I also think I have the best team in this sport and they help me every step of the way.

“I want to unify this division and then move up in weight and keep adding titles. If I can’t get a unification bout next, then I’m going to move up for new challenges.

“This is a very important night for me. It’s important to me that I put on a great show. I want everyone to say that ‘there’s a new star in town.'”

Share Page