Gervonta Davis Announces 2025 Retirement, Sparks Debate Over Future Fights

BALTIMORE, Md. — Gervonta “Tank” Davis, the undefeated WBA lightweight champion, announced plans to retire from boxing in 2025, citing fatigue with the sport. The 30-year-old fighter aims to conclude his career with three final bouts, beginning with a title defense against Lamont Roach Jr. on March 1 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Davis, who holds a perfect 30-0 record with 28 knockouts, revealed his retirement plans during a press conference, surprising fans and critics alike. While he has not disclosed the details of his final two fights, speculation suggests a potential matchup with Ryan Garcia. However, Davis has remained tight-lipped about his ultimate opponent.

Floyd Schofield Sr., father of rising star Floyd Schofield Jr., has cast doubt on Davis’ retirement motives. In a recent interview with talkSport, Schofield Sr. claimed Davis is avoiding a potential fight with his son. “Two years ago, I told the world that when Floyd gets to that level where he’s a mandatory fighter for Gervonta, Gervonta will retire,” Schofield Sr. said. “And that’s exactly what’s happening right now.”

Schofield Jr., nicknamed “Kid Austin,” is set to face WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson on February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bout is already being touted as one of the most anticipated fights of 2025. Schofield Sr. praised Stevenson for accepting the challenge, noting that other top fighters, including Devin Haney and Jojo Diaz, have avoided his son.

Meanwhile, Stevenson, who holds a 22-0 record with 10 knockouts, expressed confidence that Turki Al-Shiekh, a prominent boxing promoter, will facilitate a mega-fight between him and Davis. “I think he’s saving boxing,” Stevenson said of Al-Shiekh. “Once Tank gets with him, I think the fight is going to happen.”

Davis has reportedly demanded $150 million for a rematch with Ryan Garcia, raising questions about his financial expectations for future bouts. Stevenson acknowledged the high price tag but remained optimistic about securing a fight with Davis. “He sounds like a businessman,” Stevenson said. “I think he wants to make as much money as possible in the sport of boxing.”

As Davis prepares for his farewell tour, the boxing world remains divided over his retirement announcement. While some view it as a genuine decision to step away from the sport, others, like Schofield Sr., believe it may be a strategic move to avoid high-stakes matchups. Regardless, Davis’ final fights are expected to draw significant attention as one of boxing’s most dominant figures prepares to exit the ring.