The boxing world is buzzing with drama once again as Gervonta “Tank” Davis unleashed a scathing response to Claressa Shields’ provocative comment that “Gervonta need therapy!” The back-and-forth between the two boxing superstars has reignited their long-standing feud, with Davis delivering a brutal verbal knockout that has fans and fighters alike picking sides in this heated war of words.

Shields’ Comment Sparks the Fire

The controversy erupted on March 29, 2025, during an interview on The Breakfast Club, where Claressa Shields, the undisputed middleweight champion and one of the greatest female boxers of all time, was asked about Gervonta Davis’ recent behavior. Davis has been under scrutiny following a series of events, including his controversial majority draw against Lamont Roach Jr. on March 1, 2025, and the subsequent stripping of his WBA boxing license on March 27, 2025, for refusing to comply with a mandated rematch. Shields didn’t hold back, saying, “Gervonta need therapy! He’s out here acting like he’s untouchable, but he’s got issues—legal issues, personal issues. He needs to get help before he loses everything.”

Shields’ comment was a direct jab at Davis’ tumultuous history, which includes multiple legal troubles—most recently a probation violation in Baltimore that resulted in a $10,000 charity donation order on March 12, 2025—and his public feuds with other fighters. Shields, who has been vocal about mental health advocacy in sports, has previously criticized Davis for his “arrogant” attitude, notably in 2023 when she called him out for not fighting top-tier opponents like Devin Haney or Shakur Stevenson.

Davis Fires Back with Brutal Force

Gervonta Davis wasted no time responding, taking to Instagram Live on March 30, 2025, to deliver a blistering rebuttal that left no stone unturned. In a 10-minute rant that garnered over 1 million views within hours, Davis didn’t just defend himself—he went on the offensive. “Claressa needs to shut her mouth and stay in her lane,” Davis snapped, his tone dripping with disdain. “She’s talking about therapy, but she needs to fix her own life first. She’s broke, her career’s a mess, and she’s jealous because I’m the face of boxing. I don’t need therapy—I need her to stop running her mouth before I embarrass her whole legacy.”

Davis didn’t stop there. He took aim at Shields’ financial struggles, referencing rumors that have circulated since 2022 about her being “broke” despite her success in the ring. “She’s out here acting like she’s some saint, but she can’t even pay her bills,” Davis continued. “I make more in one fight than she’s made her whole career. She’s mad because I’m winning, and she’s just a loudmouth with no real impact.” The Baltimore native also mocked Shields’ recent foray into MMA, where she has a 2-1 record in the PFL, saying, “Stick to boxing, because you’re getting slept in the cage too.”

A Feud Rooted in Rivalry

The animosity between Davis and Shields isn’t new. The two have clashed verbally for years, often trading barbs over social media. In 2021, Shields challenged Davis to a sparring session, claiming she could “hold her own” against him despite the weight difference, a claim Davis dismissed as “delusional.” Their rivalry intensified in 2023 when Shields accused Davis of “ducking” top competition, while Davis responded by calling her “irrelevant” and saying, “Nobody cares about women’s boxing unless it’s me hyping it up.”

Shields, a three-division world champion with a 14-0 record in professional boxing, has been a trailblazer for women’s sports, becoming the first American boxer to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals (2012 and 2016). However, her outspoken nature has often put her at odds with other fighters, including Davis, who has built his own legacy as a five-time world champion across three weight classes with a record of 30-0-1, 28 KOs.

The Boxing World Reacts

Davis’ brutal response has divided the boxing community. On X, fans have been quick to take sides, with some praising Davis for standing up for himself and others slamming him for what they see as a low blow. “Gervonta went too far—Claressa was just speaking facts,” one user wrote. “He’s got issues, and everyone knows it.” Another fan countered, “Claressa started it, and Tank finished it. She can’t talk smack and not expect a comeback.”

Fellow fighters have also weighed in. Shakur Stevenson, who has his own history of beef with Davis, tweeted, “Claressa told no lies—Tank does need help. But he’s too stubborn to see it.” Meanwhile, Ryan Garcia, a known ally of Davis, posted on Instagram, “Tank just spoke facts. Claressa’s always hating on the top dogs because she can’t get that shine.” The drama has even caught the attention of UFC star Conor McGregor, who commented on X, “Tank vs. Claressa in a war of words? I’d pay to see them settle it in the ring!”

A Deeper Look: Is There Truth to Shields’ Claim?

Shields’ comment about Davis needing therapy touches on a sensitive topic in combat sports: mental health. Davis has faced significant challenges outside the ring, from his 2020 arrest for domestic violence to his 2023 hit-and-run case, which resulted in a 90-day house arrest sentence. His recent legal troubles, including the probation violation, have only added to the narrative that he’s struggling to manage the pressures of fame. In a 2022 interview with The Pivot Podcast, Davis opened up about his rough upbringing in Baltimore, saying, “I’ve been through a lot—people don’t know the half of it.” However, he’s never publicly acknowledged seeking therapy, and his response to Shields suggests he views her comment as an attack rather than a genuine concern.

On the flip side, Davis’ attack on Shields’ financial status and career is a stretch. While Shields has been open about the pay disparity in women’s boxing—earning $1.2 million for her 2022 fight against Savannah Marshall, a fraction of what top male boxers make—she’s far from “broke.” Her net worth is estimated at $4 million, and her recent PFL contract reportedly pays her $750,000 per fight. Davis’ claim that she’s “jealous” also ignores her groundbreaking achievements, which have paved the way for future generations of female fighters.

What’s Next for This Explosive Feud?

The war of words between Gervonta Davis and Claressa Shields shows no signs of slowing down. Shields has yet to respond to Davis’ latest comments, but given her fiery personality, a rebuttal is likely imminent. Meanwhile, Davis is preparing for a potential comeback fight after the WBA stripped his license, with rumors swirling about a possible clash with Shakur Stevenson later in 2025. Shields, on the other hand, is set to return to the boxing ring in June 2025 for a title defense against an opponent yet to be named.

This latest chapter in their feud has only heightened the tension between two of boxing’s biggest personalities. While a physical fight between them is impossible due to weight and gender differences, their verbal sparring has proven just as entertaining—and brutal—as any bout in the ring. As the boxing world watches this drama unfold, one thing is clear: when Gervonta Davis and Claressa Shields go at it, no one holds back.