The boxing world is on edge following the news that Gervonta “Tank” Davis suffered an injury during his training camp for the highly anticipated rematch against Lamont Roach, scheduled for June 21, 2025, in Las Vegas. According to sources close to Davis’s camp, the WBA lightweight champion severely sprained his left ankle while performing an agility drill in the gym, casting doubt on his participation in the fight that promised to be one of the most exciting events of the year.
An unexpected setback for “Tank”
Gervonta Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) and Lamont Roach (25-1-2, 10 KOs) engaged in an epic bout on March 1, 2025, at Barclays Center in New York City, which ended in a majority draw (115-113, 114-114, 114-114) after 12 action-packed rounds. The result was controversial, especially for a moment in the ninth round when Davis took a knee after a jab from Roach, but referee Steve Willis did not count it as a knockdown, a decision that many believed cost Roach the victory. Both fighters expressed their desire for an immediate rematch, and on April 3, 2025, Marca confirmed that the bout was scheduled for June 21 in Las Vegas, with rumors that Jermell Charlo and Erislandy Lara could join the card.
However, news of Davis’ injury has shaken up plans. According to an exclusive ESPN report published at 1:45 AM PDT on April 11, Davis was performing a lateral movement drill at Big Bear Training Camp in California when he lost his balance and twisted his ankle. An anonymous source on Davis’ team revealed: “It was an unfortunate accident. Tank was in great shape, but these high-intensity drills always come with risks. The team doctor is evaluating him, but it appears he could be out for at least six weeks.”
Reactions of those involved
The news has sent shock waves through the boxing world. Lamont Roach, who has been training in Washington, D.C., expressed his frustration in a post on X at 2:00 AM PDT: “I was ready to prove I’m the best. If Tank can’t fight, give me the belt. I’m not going to wait forever.” Roach, who many believed deserved the win in the first bout, has been pushing for a definitive resolution, and this injury could further delay his chance to become a two-weight champion.
For its part, Davis’s team issued a statement through Premier Boxing Champions at 2:10 AM PDT: “Gervonta suffered a minor injury during training. We are working with specialists to ensure a speedy and full recovery. We will soon provide more details regarding the status of the June 21 fight.” However, the tone of the statement failed to quell speculation, and some experts believe the fight could be postponed until late 2025.
Roach’s promoter Gary Jonas, who had confirmed on March 9, 2025, that a rematch was “pretty much a done deal” according to Sports Illustrated , also reacted to the news. In an interview with ProBoxTV , Jonas said, “It’s a shame this happened, but Lamont is ready to fight with or without Davis. If Tank can’t get in the ring, we’ll look for another opponent. We’re not going to let this stop Lamont’s momentum.”
Impact on the world of boxing
Davis’ injury has sparked a debate on social media, with the hashtag #TankInjury trending on X, racking up over 50,000 mentions in the first few hours. Some fans are rooting for Davis, wishing him a speedy recovery, while others believe the injury could be an excuse to avoid a rematch. Former champion Terence Crawford, who previously criticized the decision in the first bout, wrote on X: “I hope Tank recovers soon, but if he can’t fight, let Roach get his title shot. The people deserve to see a fair fight.”
The first Davis-Roach bout drew 19,250 fans to the Barclays Center, breaking attendance records and generating one of the largest box office receipts in the venue’s history, according to Forbes . The rematch promised to be even more lucrative, with Davis projected to earn between $15 and $20 million, and Roach securing between $3 and $5 million. However, this injury could change everything, leaving fans and the boxing industry in uncertainty.
What’s next for Davis and Roach?
While Davis undergoes medical evaluations, the future of the rematch remains up in the air. If the injury requires more recovery time, promoters could seek an interim opponent for Roach, who has proven to be a formidable contender following his performance in the first bout. On the other hand, Davis, known for his knockout power and status as one of boxing’s biggest stars, faces pressure to return to the ring and prove he’s still the king of the 135-pound division.
This unexpected setback has added a new chapter to the Davis-Roach saga, and boxing fans will be eagerly awaiting any updates on “Tank’s” health and the fate of this long-awaited rematch. Will Davis be able to overcome this injury and face Roach, or will we see a drastic change in plans? Time will tell.
