WHO YOU GONNA CALL? š: GHOSTBUSTER TANK DAVIS STOPS MARTIN WITH VICIOUS KO
- AE#9
- Jun 19, 2024
- 3 min read
#AndStill WBA lightweight world champion. Gervonta 'Tank' Davis returned from a 421 day layoff in the most spectacular fashion. Fighting against talented contender Frank Martin, Tank made a statement to all lightweight champions and contenders. I'm not going anywhere. After knocking Frank Martin out cold in Round 8, Tank showed the whole world why he is one of the major attractions in boxing today.
The lights were shining bright at the MGM Grand on June 15. Stars were out in force and were ready to witness one of the most exciting events on the sporting calendar, a Tank Davis fight night. It was 14 months since the last one, but fans still knew what to expect when they took their seats and that is a show. A show is what they got as Davis and Martin went toe to toe from the opening bell of their main event.
Martin started the fight well, maximising all of the ring and staying busy with his punches. For most of the early rounds, Martin kept Tank at a distance, throwing combinations before moving out of range. His jab worked well and looked to be building real momentum early.
But as the old phrase goes, āFast horses don't run longā. As Martin gameplanned to move around the ring for 12 rounds and keep the champ away, he didn't seem to account for the demoralising body attack Tank would deliver from the very first round. It was a conscious effort from the champion, who was prepared for Martin's movement and relative inexperience at the highest level.
As Tank continued to hunt Martin down, Martin stayed alert defensively. Keeping his guard high as he pivoted away from his opponent and tied Tank up in the clinches when necessary. Martin looked to have everything in order, even if he did look very concerned as Tank made his way toward him. 'Tank' did eventually live up to his name in Rounds 6, 7 and 8. Davis stalked down Martin, cornered him and began to unload heavy artillery on āThe Ghostā.
Suddenly, 'The Ghost' did not seem too hard to find. Tank was beginning to gain much more success finding the target and it was clear his punches were starting to take a toll on Frank Martin. In the 8th, Tank found a way to keep Martin in the corner, who's movement had almost all gone. Tank attacked the body even more, before landing a right cross and left uppercut. Martin was stunned, before Tank added the finishing strike with a vicious left hand. It was all over.
Gervonta Davis put on a veteran style performance from start to finish, and in my opinion, the best display of his career. This is considering Tankās career long layoff from fighting, Martin being a southpaw with his skillset and the level of ring IQ and discipline Tank showed throughout the fight. He looked comfortable in there, and sealed the deal with a highlight KO. This is the reason I would rate this performance over a Barrios, Cruz or Pedraza victory. Although inexperienced, Frank Martin (now 18-1) put on a courageous performance. After the loss, he will now be looking to rebuild himself in the 135 or 140lb divisions.
The most inevitable question in boxing is even more present whenever Tank is involved. That question, 'What's Next?'. It looks like it could be accomplished lightweight and IBF world champion Vasilily Lomachenko. This unification fight is enticing due to the extremely high skill level of both fighters, their reputation in the sport and would arguably be the best opponent either fighter would have faced in their career. Lomachenko was last seen in his 11th round stoppage victory against George Kambosos, as he won the vacant IBF world title.
If this truly is Tank's (30-0, 28 KOs) last run at major fights before retiring from boxing, then the fans are gonna be in for a wild ride. Loma could be the first of many marquee names and a unification bout would be the very first in Tank's star-studded career. Almost unbelievable considering Davis' talent and fame. It's clear Davis is out to show everybody what he's been saying for a long time, that Gervonta 'Tank' Davis is the best fighter in the game.
- AE
Tank vs Shakur is the fight we need to see. All Tank fights are entertaining but that is the fight pure boxing fans need to see in that division.
Very good blog. Good read and very well written.