Floyd Mayweather BREAKS SILENCE on LEAKED Audio: Tank & Calvin’s Alleged Bribe Scandal EXPOSED! “He Should Be Ashamed”
Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. has finally spoken out on the explosive controversy surrounding his former protégé, Gervonta “Tank” Davis, and trainer Calvin Ford, following the leak of an audio recording that allegedly exposes a bribe scandal tied to Davis’ March 1, 2025, fight against Lamont Roach Jr. In a fiery interview with *TMZ Sports* on Friday evening, Mayweather, 47, did not hold back, slamming both Davis and Ford, saying, “He should be ashamed—both of them should. This is a disgrace to boxing!” The leaked audio, which surfaced on March 4 via *The Ring*, has sent shockwaves through the sport, with #MayweatherSpeaks and #TankBribeScandal trending on X, amassing over 10 million views as fans and analysts dissect the fallout.
The audio, recorded during the eighth and ninth rounds of the Davis-Roach bout at Barclays Center, captures a heated argument between Davis and Ford, with Ford allegedly suggesting they “pay someone” to influence the fight’s outcome after Davis took a knee, citing grease in his eyes. The moment, controversially ruled a non-knockdown by referee Steve Willis, became the crux of the New York State Athletic Commission’s (NYSAC) decision to overturn the majority draw into a loss for Davis, stripping him of his WBA lightweight title. In the recording, Ford is heard saying, “We can fix this—pay the right guy, Tank,” to which Davis responds, “Man, I can’t see! You tryna cheat now?” The implication of bribery has cast a dark shadow over the fight, prompting an NYSAC investigation into potential misconduct.
Mayweather, who mentored Davis until their 2022 split, expressed disgust at the allegations. “I built Tank from the ground up, taught him everything, and this is how he repays the sport? With cheating? He should be ashamed,” Mayweather told *TMZ*. He also took aim at Ford, with whom he has a strained relationship, saying, “Calvin knows better. You don’t drag a fighter into this kind of mess. It’s a betrayal of everything we stand for.” Mayweather’s comments echo sentiments from his past interviews, where he has emphasized integrity in boxing, despite his own controversies, including a 2012 domestic violence conviction.
The scandal has intensified scrutiny on Davis, now 30-1, who has already faced backlash after the NYSAC ruling and his subsequent split with Ford. On X, reactions are polarized. “If Tank and Calvin tried to bribe someone, they deserve to be banned from boxing!” tweeted @BoxingPurist2025, while @TankFanForever countered, “This audio’s out of context—Floyd’s just piling on ‘cause he’s bitter!” Some fans question the audio’s authenticity, noting its timing aligns suspiciously with Mayweather’s recent feud with Davis, including Davis’ accusations that Mayweather set him up to lose in 2017 over a personal dispute involving Mayweather’s daughter, Iyanna.
The NYSAC has confirmed it is investigating the audio for evidence of bribery, with potential sanctions ranging from fines to suspensions if substantiated. Legal experts suggest that if proven, this could lead to criminal charges, further tarnishing Davis’ and Ford’s careers. Meanwhile, Roach, now the WBA lightweight champion, demanded justice on X, posting, “I knew something was off that night. They tried to steal my win—expose them all!”
Mayweather’s outspoken stance adds fuel to an already volatile situation, with his history of controversial behavior—ranging from domestic violence allegations to promoting fraudulent ICOs—raising questions about his moral authority to judge. Yet, his voice carries weight in boxing, and his call for accountability may pressure the NYSAC to act swiftly. As the investigation unfolds, the sport braces for more revelations in what could be one of its biggest scandals in years.
