SHOCKING SPLIT! Gervonta’s Trainer Ends Contract With Him After NYSAC Turns Draw Into His Loss
The boxing world was rocked by a seismic development early Thursday morning when Calvin Ford, the longtime trainer and mentor of Gervonta “Tank” Davis, announced the termination of their professional relationship following a stunning decision by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC). The NYSAC overturned Davis’ controversial majority draw against Lamont Roach Jr. on March 1, 2025, at Barclays Center, ruling it a loss for Davis, stripping him of his WBA lightweight title. This shocking turn of events, coupled with Ford’s abrupt exit, has sent shockwaves through the sport, leaving fans and analysts questioning Davis’ future and the integrity of the officiating process.
The controversy stems from the ninth-round incident where Davis took a knee, citing grease from his braids burning his eyes, and referee Steve Willis controversially ruled it a non-knockdown. The fight ended in a 115-113 score for Davis and two 114-114 draws, preserving his 30-0-1 record. However, the NYSAC’s review, prompted by a technical issue that prevented instant replay during the fight, concluded late Wednesday that Willis’ call was erroneous. The commission determined that Davis’ action should have been scored as a knockdown, awarding Roach a 10-8 round, which would have resulted in a 114-113 unanimous decision victory for Roach (now 25-1-2), handing Davis his first professional loss (30-1).
Ford, who has guided Davis since his amateur days, released a statement on X at midnight, saying, “After 15 years, I’m done with Tank. The NYSAC’s decision exposes a lack of control and respect. I can’t work with someone who doesn’t follow the plan. This is my exit.” The split appears to stem from frustration over Davis’ mid-fight decision to take the knee, which Ford had vocally opposed during the bout, as heard in a leaked video showing their heated exchange. Sources close to the camp told *ESPN* that Ford felt Davis’ actions undermined his authority and the team’s strategy, leading to the irreparable rift.
Davis, 30, responded on X with a cryptic, “Guess it’s just me now. Thanks for the memories, Cal. On to the next.” The loss marks a dramatic shift for the Baltimore native, who earned a $5 million purse compared to Roach’s $200,000, and had been a dominant force at 135 pounds. Roach, now the WBA lightweight champion, celebrated on X, posting, “Justice served! 25-1, and the belt is mine. #RoachChamp.”
The NYSAC’s decision has reignited criticism of referee Willis and the commission’s handling of the fight. While the NYSAC cited a “technical issue” with replay technology as the reason for relying on Willis’ initial call, many question why such a critical error wasn’t addressed sooner. Analysts like Timothy Bradley on *SportsCenter* argued, “This overturn is rare but deserved—Willis botched it, and the NYSAC had to fix it. But the damage to Davis’ camp is the real story.” Others, including Deontay Wilder, tweeted, “Tank’s loss is big, but losing Ford is bigger. That team was unbreakable—until now.”
Posts on X under #DavisFordSplit and #RoachChamp reflect the divided sentiment. “Ford walking away after 15 years? Tank’s career might be over,” wrote @BoxingTruth2025, while @TankNation2023 countered, “Tank will bounce back—Ford’s the one who failed him.” The WBA has yet to comment, but president Gilberto Mendoza’s earlier call for a rematch now seems moot with the title change.
This shocking split raises questions about Davis’ next move. With Ford gone, Davis may seek a new trainer, potentially impacting his preparation for future bouts, including a rumored rematch with Roach. The lightweight division is now wide open, with Roach’s upset victory and Davis’ loss creating a power vacuum. The NYSAC’s rare intervention also casts a shadow over boxing’s officiating, fueling calls for improved technology and accountability.
Stay tuned for updates on X under #DavisFordSplit, as this dramatic fallout and title shift could redefine the lightweight landscape in 2025.
