The boxing world is in turmoil following Gervonta “Tank” Davis’s unexpected announcement that his highly anticipated fight with Lamont Roach Jr. has been canceled. While some fans welcomed the news, others expressed frustration, seeing it as yet another twist in Davis’s polarizing career. To add to the frenzy, Floyd Mayweather entered the discussion, sharing his candid perspective and reigniting debates about Davis’s choices and legacy.

Davis, known for his ferocious knockout power and charismatic presence, has long been a marquee name in boxing. His return to the ring was eagerly awaited, and the announcement of a match against WBA super featherweight champion Lamont Roach Jr. at the Barclays Center in March 2025 initially promised an exciting comeback. However, from the start, the matchup faced heavy criticism. Many fans felt Roach, though skilled, wasn’t a worthy opponent for a fighter of Davis’s caliber. Social media platforms lit up with dismissive comments, such as, “Nobody wanted to see that,” and “Tank needs to fight someone better.”

Despite the backlash, the fight moved forward—or so it seemed. Before Davis’s announcement of its cancellation, the bout had already been postponed, adding to the uncertainty. Davis’s decision to withdraw ignited a firestorm of opinions, with some fans expressing relief that the criticized matchup wouldn’t happen, while others lamented another missed opportunity to see Davis in action. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) encapsulated the sentiment: “Honestly, I’m glad. Roach wasn’t the right fight for Tank. Let’s see him take on real competition.”

Amid the uproar, Floyd Mayweather shared his take, fueling further debate. Speaking to reporters, Mayweather said, “Tank has always been about that money, but at the end of the day, it’s all about legacy. Fans weren’t going to buy that fight anyway.” His remarks underscored longstanding criticisms that Davis prioritizes lucrative matchups over facing the toughest opponents in the sport. Critics have pointed to a pattern in Davis’s career, noting his decisions to bypass high-stakes bouts against names like Shakur Stevenson, Devin Haney, and Vasiliy Lomachenko.

The debate over Davis’s choices intensified with comparisons to Roach’s record. While Roach is a respected champion, his recent split-decision victory over Hector Luis Garcia—a fighter Davis had knocked out—left many questioning whether he posed a legitimate challenge. Furthermore, Roach had to secure special permission from the WBA to move up in weight for this fight, further complicating the matchup’s credibility.

As speculation about Davis’s next move mounts, fans and analysts are rallying for more significant bouts. The most clamored-for matchup is against Shakur Stevenson, a rising star known for his defensive brilliance and technical mastery. Stevenson has been vocal about his willingness to fight Davis, often calling him out in interviews. “Tank can talk all he wants, but he knows this fight isn’t about me proving myself. It’s about whether he’s ready to face someone who can expose his weaknesses,” Stevenson recently said.

The rivalry between Davis and Stevenson has captivated fans, with debates dividing the boxing community. Supporters of Davis emphasize his unparalleled knockout power and star power, while Stevenson’s advocates highlight his superior skills and adaptability. The war of words between the two fighters has only heightened anticipation for a potential showdown.

Adding his voice to the discourse, Mayweather drew parallels between Stevenson’s style and legendary fighters like Pernell Whitaker. “It’s not always about power. Shakur wants to fight the best, and that’s what fans respect,” Mayweather noted, further fueling speculation that he might favor Stevenson in a hypothetical matchup.

For now, the cancellation of Davis’s fight with Roach leaves questions about his career trajectory. Fans are demanding bigger and better challenges, while critics warn that Davis risks losing the faith of his supporters. As one fan aptly put it, “Tank is a superstar, but the hype won’t last forever. He needs to prove he’s the best.”

The boxing world’s focus now shifts to Davis’s next move. Will he finally take on a top-tier opponent and solidify his legacy, or will the controversies surrounding his career continue to overshadow his immense talent? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the calls for a Davis-Stevenson clash are growing louder, and the sport’s future could hinge on its realization.