The two-time Super Featherweight Champion Gervonta Davis returns home to Baltimore to defend his title against Ricardo Nunez at the Royal Farms Arena on July 27. Davis has a record of (21-0, 20 knockouts). His last fight on February 9, Davis knocked Hugo Ruiz out in the first round, courtesy of a sweeping right hook. He is known for being a knockout out artist, but he’s also a very skilled boxer. The city of Baltimore is buzzing with excitement as their hometown hero brings a major event to the city.
Baltimore has received a large amount of national media coverage the past year, but the majority of the media attention stems from the murder rate, alleged police corruption, and controversy attached to the former Mayor. Davis has successfully injected positive vibes within the media and the community. He’s provided the storyline of a homegrown prodigy returning home to uplift his city by putting his talents on display. The event was made official as Davis took the stage at Mondawmin Mall on June 19. Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe stepped to the podium to officially start the press conference. “This is much more than a homecoming. This is huge. We are very excited to bring Gervonta Davis back home,” Ellerbe said. The crowd of approximately 400 fight fans cheered as Ellerbe gave praise to the upcoming event.
Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young, was in attendance as he took a moment to address the crowd. “This is really big. Baltimore is known for having great fighters, but we haven’t experienced this type of excitement for a boxing event here in decades. This is big for our city and I’m looking for this event to be a sellout,” the Mayor stated.
The Mayor touched on the fact that boxing events have been lacking in the city of Baltimore. Showtime President Steven Espinoza agreed with the Mayor’s statement. “In 33 years of televising boxing, this will be our first broadcast aired from Baltimore. Gervonta Davis has been good for Showtime. He has six appearances on Showtime and six knockouts. July 27 is going to be a big and exciting night in Baltimore,” Espinoza said. The reigning super featherweight champion is a role model to the youth growing up in the same type of community he came from. It’s very inspirational to see a successful person who overcame the same set of circumstances you’re currently going through. Coach Calvin Ford touched on that particular subject. “This man (Davis) is opening up doors for other boxers in Baltimore to come out. We have so much raw talent right here in Baltimore. Come out and support this man July 27,” Ford said.
Like the slam dunk in basketball, the knockout is the most exciting part of a boxing match. Davis has brought excitement to the ring on 20 different occasions. On July 27th, his goal is to bring excitement to his city, and excitement inside of the ring for the 21st time. Davis is aware of the crime and the negative stigma attached to his city. He plans on doing his part to make positive changes. “I want to thank God, my team, and my family. I thank Baltimore for backing me. Aquille Carr (former high school star) use to be called “the crime stopper†because nobody was on the streets when he was playing basketball. I want to pick up where he left off. I will be the crime stopper because nobody in Baltimore will be on the streets July 27,” Davis stated.
Gervonta Davis insisted on having a boxing match in his hometown. This will be a major event for the city of Baltimore. For a city that has experienced an abundance of negativity and dark clouds, July 27 will be a day Charm City can shine bright.
