Gervonta “Tank” Davis Takes Out Hugo Ruiz, Successfully Defends WBA Title Becoming Youngest US Born World Titlist
Referee Jack Reisser raises Gervonta “Tank” Davis’ hand in victory. The young champion, donning his WBA Super Featherweight Belt, covered his tatted body with a statement T-shirt “Free 21 Savage.” The Platinum-Selling British Rapper is fighting deportation. Photos Credit: Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions
Like a Rock Star, WBA Super Featherweight Champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis entered the ring to the sounds of Mega Star Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” with dancers. The fast-rising boxing super star demonstrated a cool, calm swag as the crowd rose to their feet in anticipation of the main event. Davis took his place in the blue corner of the ring with World Champion, Promoter and Mentor Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Words were exchanged between the two, which seemed to further ignite the hype already exploding in the outdoor arena.
The light rain that dropped on and off throughout the night during the clash between Davis and Ruiz certainly did not dampen Davis’ parade. The first round TKO delivered by Davis put an abrupt end to Ruiz’ chances to showcase his boxing savviness demonstrated in his past bouts. Ruiz, 32 years old, has had 18 first-round knockouts with a record of 39-5, 32 KOs.
Saturday night was a different outcome for Ruiz from his prediction made at the press conference. “At 130-pounds I feel more power than ever and I will demonstrate that on Saturday night,” said Ruiz. “This is a big challenge for me. This is the opportunity that I’ve been waiting for throughout my 12-year career. I don’t plan on wasting it.”
The sell-out crowd at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California witnessed Ruiz eat his words and the excitement and determination that Davis brings to the ring. Ruiz missed being saved by the bell when Referee Jack Reiss stopped the fight about one second before the 1st round would have officially ended.
“Ruiz didn’t answer me. I told him clearly in the dressing room what he needed to do,” said Reiss. “When I asked him in Spanish if he wanted to continue he didn’t answer. He was really hurt. He basically made the decision. If he just (nodded his head) we would have kept going.”
Ruiz left the ring a bloody mess after he was hit by Davis with a flurry of punches and a powerful right hook to his face.
The youngest title holder as an American, Gervonta “Tank” Davis was born for the path of
boxing superstardom. In true rock star fashion, Davis walked to the ring on the world’s best-selling album, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Photos Credit: Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions
“I’m very confident that I will be more active this year. I have three, probably four fights lined up this year,” said Davis. I’m happy with my team and ready for the next.” With his longtime trainer and mentor Calvin Ford and a promotional team spearheaded by Mayweather, Jr., the world’s best fighter pound-for-pound, Davis’ future is bigger than life.
At the press conference, Mayweather said, “This is a great matchup and the kind that people want to see. It’s all about putting on great shows and Saturday will be another blockbuster.”
The 24-year-old Davis remains unbeaten and advances to a record of 21-0 and 20 Kos.
“I’m so excited to come back strong in 2019,” said Davis. “This is the year that could put me over the top and put me at the highest level.”
No doubt.
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Marie Y. Lemelle, MBA, a journalist, and public relations and boxing event consultant, is the owner of Platinum Star PR. She can be reached on Twitter @PlatinumStar or Instagram @PlatinumStarPR. Send sports questions or stories ideas to info@platinumstarpr.com