Gervonta Davis is set to return to action this autumn but it looks like he will do so under the tutelage of a new, well-respected trainer, looking to rediscover his form and recapture a world title.
Davis has fought just once in the last two years, with that contest being a contentious draw against Lamont Roach Jr 15 months ago, where many fans felt ‘Tank’ was fortunate to avoid a defeat that would have cost him his undefeated record.
Since then, ‘Tank’s issues outside the ring have caused a prolonged period of inactivity that, in turn, has resulted in him being downgraded from WBA lightweight world champion to WBA ‘champion-in-recess’, with the vacant world title expected to be up for grabs soon.
Currently, Floyd Schofield is the man guaranteed to be involved in that vacant title bout, but it remains unclear whether Davis or Lucas Bahdi will be in the opposing corner, despite reports suggesting that Davis would clash with ‘Kid Austin’ in the autumn.
Instead, Schofield’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, has insinuated that Bahdi may be called upon and Davis’ recent call-out of Devin Haney backs up those claims, suggesting that the Baltimore knockout artist may move up to either super-lightweight or welterweight.
Regardless, Davis is expected to return to the ring in a matter of months and, ahead of his comeback, FightsATW have reported that the 31-year-old will replace long-term head trainer Calvin Ford with Jose Benavidez Sr. – father and trainer of pound-for-pound star, David Benavidez.
“According to sources who spoke to FightsATW on the condition of anonymity, Jose Benavidez Sr., the father of unified cruiserweight and WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez, has been asked to train Davis for his upcoming fight, which has not yet been announced.
“A few weeks ago in South Florida, Davis worked out with Benavidez Sr. to see if they could mesh well. It appears things did go well, as Benavidez Sr. now has the task of getting Davis ready for his next fight.”
It remains to be seen whether Schofield or Haney is truly the target, but with Benavidez Sr in his corner, fans can perhaps expect Davis to adopt a more aggressive approach to both proposed fights.
