The path is clear for undefeated lightweight champions Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson to star in an all-American unification bout.

Following his emphatic knockout of Frank Martin to keep the WBA title, Davis promptly entered early talks with IBF Champion Vasiliy Lomachenko but the Ukrainian would later back out due to a lack of motivation to fight again this year.

Enter Stevenson, who has just come off a criticised but straightforward defence of his WBC strap against Artem Harutyunyan and has long been saying both Davis and Lomachenko are avoiding him. In theory, nothing stands in the way of the Davis fight now if both want it.

In an interview with the It Is What It Is podcast, Floyd Mayweather – who guided a large portion of ‘Tank’s career before a bitter split – singled out the two stars as the best in the division for very different reasons.

“You got guys fighting between 130, 135 and 160. They stacked around that area. As of right now, the two guys… The biggest puncher at 135 would probably be Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, but the most skullful fighter at 135 would be, hands down, Shakur Stevenson.”

Davis has beaten all but two opponents inside the distance with some of he most well-timed and devastating power punches in the sport. Stevenson has just a 45% knockout-to-win ratio but has, by the numbers, the best defence in the sport.

Asked if skills were enough to be the best without the power to keep opponents honest, Mayweather said yes.

“It’s really all about skills. Pernell Whitaker wasn’t a huge puncher, but he was very exciting, very tough and he fought everybody. Shakur’s tryna do the same thing. He want to fight the best they got out there. He’s asking can he fight the best. I believe his contract is coming to an end so hopefully we can come together and I can get him to the next level with the fights he needs, that he wants.”

Stevenson‘s team has had conversations with Mayweather since this interview and are also entertaining talks from Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom. Davis is with PBC, meaning there’s a chance he explores that side of the fence too.

‘Tank’s co-trainer, Kenny Ellis, has said that the only way the fight doesn’t happen next will be ‘fear’ on Shakur’s part.