Years ago, six young boys entered the Upton Boxing Center in Baltimore, Maryland. They found a place they could bond with other kids, learn the sport of boxing, and have access to mentors and disciplinary figures. They walked in on the opportunity to learn the sweet science, a sport that requires a potent skill set, and a high boxing IQ. By gaining boxing intelligence, and refining their skills, these six young boxers were on the brink of discovering new opportunities within the sport. Unfortunately, due to the lure of the streets, five of the six were murdered at a young age.
Gervonta “Tank” Davis was the sixth member and lone survivor of that particular group of young talent. The boxing gym became his refuge as it enabled him to receive the love and attention he wasn’t receiving at his place of residency. His home life was nowhere near traditional as both of his parents struggled with drug addiction. He was removed from his household when it was discovered that his mother was leaving both Davis and his brother home alone with no adult supervision. As a result of the negligence, Gervonta lived in multiple foster homes and a group home.
He found a landing spot with his great uncle. Unfortunately staying with his great uncle wasn’t a solution, but instead, the experience added to his trauma. Davis’s great uncle was abusive and only motivated by the monetary gains he received for taking young Gervonta in.Â
His grandmother fought for years to gain custody of Gervonta, and her persistence paid off. Living with his grandmother, and being the new kid on the block, Davis fought a lot. His uncle, James Walker, observed Davis fighting on the streets and told his nephew, “We’ve got to turn something negative into a positive.” Walker took his nephew to the boxing gym operated by coach Calvin Ford.
After a stellar amateur career, Gervonta turned pro at the age of 18. He made his name known as he cruised to a record of 16 wins with 15 knockouts. Davis’s brilliance in the ring earned him a world title match. Prior to his title shot, Davis faced more adversity and turned to a new tattoo on his neck for inspiration.   Â
 “I was down. I got evicted from my home leading up to my first world title opportunity. I didn’t fight in six months, I wasn’t making much money, and I got in some trouble. I got the tattoo “blessed” because going into the fight I had nothing to lose but a lot to gain,” Davis stated. In his world title bout versus Jose Pedraza, Davis gained the IBF championship belt, courtesy of a vicious right hand to the jaw of Pedraza in the 7th round.
Fast forward to homecoming week for Gervonta “Tank” Davis. He was on the verge of becoming the first Baltimore native to defend his title in his hometown in 79 years. Prior to the title defense, the first thing on his agenda was a visit to City Hall. The WBA Super Featherweight World Champion was honored on July 24th as Baltimore Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young presented him with the Key to the City. Davis felt appreciation in reference to receiving the Key to the City.
“I never thought I would get the key to a great city like Baltimore growing up the way that I did. It is a great honor and I am very proud to be a part of this city’s great history,” Davis stated.Â
Three days later homecoming week continued as it was time for the featured attraction. In front of a sellout crowd of 14,686 at the Royal Farms Arena, Gervonta Davis defended his title. His opponent was the hard-hitting Ricardo Nunez. In the first round, Davis used effective body punches to close the distance. In the second round “Tank” had a better feel of the punching range as he was able to hit Nunez with two big lefts, followed by a right that rocked Nunez backward. Referee Harvey Dock stopped the fight at 1:33 of the second round.
The Super Featherweight World Champion was happy with his performance, and the support he received from the city of Baltimore. “Tonight we showed out. It’s amazing to fight in front of my hometown fans, my family. It’s an incredible feeling. I want to do it again,” Davis said.
Baltimore is a city that needed a positive distraction, and Gervonta Davis provided it in a big way. He is definitely a role model. In a way, Davis represents the American Dream. His life journey started with poverty, heartache, and pain. The 24-year old has shown unbelievable mental toughness, great work ethic, and incredible determination. Gervonta “Tank” Davis is the definition of believe and you shall achieve.
