Shakur Stevenson Warns Lamont Roach to Steer Clear of Gervonta Davis Rematch as Tank Unveils Jacked New Look
The boxing world is buzzing with anticipation as the highly anticipated rematch between Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. is set for August 16, 2025, in Las Vegas, following their controversial majority draw on March 1. However, WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson has issued a stark warning to Roach, urging him to reconsider stepping into the ring with a newly transformed Davis. With Tank showcasing a jacked physique and a revamped training approach, Stevenson believes Roach could be walking into a dangerous trap, potentially jeopardizing his career in a fight against one of boxing’s most formidable punchers.
Stevenson, who has been relentlessly pursuing a unification bout with Davis, didn’t hold back in a recent YouTube video, describing Tank as “a different animal” with unmatched power that “cracks” opponents. Reflecting on their first encounter, Stevenson noted Roach’s impressive performance, where he defied expectations as a +1400 underdog by lasting all 12 rounds and arguably winning several. However, Stevenson emphasized that Davis’s lackluster showing was an anomaly, attributing it to distractions and a lack of focus. Now, with Davis training under new coach Mustafa, known for sharpening timing and precision, and sporting a chiseled new look, Stevenson warns that Roach won’t get the same “lucky chance” this time. “Lamont wasn’t obedient to Tank’s power that night, but Tank is cracking fighters,” Stevenson said, suggesting Roach’s bravery could lead to a brutal outcome in the rematch.
The first Davis-Roach fight sparked heated debate, particularly over a controversial ninth-round moment when Davis took a knee that wasn’t ruled a knockdown, leading to a majority draw (115-113 Davis, 114-114 x2). Fans and analysts, including former champion Mikey Garcia, believed Roach was robbed, with some arguing he won 7-8 rounds. Roach’s strategy of relentless pressure, sharp jabs, and calculated aggression exposed vulnerabilities in Davis’s game, prompting critics like Jake Paul to claim Roach “exposed” Tank’s weaknesses. Yet, Davis’s camp, including longtime coach Kenny Ellis, insists the rematch will be different. Ellis dismissed Roach’s training videos, emphasizing that gym work doesn’t equate to enduring Tank’s punishing in-ring power. “It’s about taking pain in the fight, not just training,” Ellis said, highlighting Davis’s ability to deliver devastating body shots and combinations.
Davis’s recent social media activity, including a tweet stating, “Somebody is in trouble,” has fueled speculation about his intense preparation. Fans have noticed a significant change in his physique, with one X post noting, “Short cut Tank back, Roach is sleep,” referencing Davis’s decision to ditch his braids, which he blamed for his lackluster performance. The addition of Coach Mustafa, who previously trained Kevin Farmer, signals a strategic shift toward greater discipline and stamina, addressing Stevenson’s observation of Davis’s “gas tank problem” in the first fight. Roy Jones Jr., a boxing legend, echoed this sentiment, calling Davis a “different kind of beast” whose fundamental punching power remains lethal across weight classes, giving him a clear edge.
Roach, however, remains undeterred, vocal about his belief that he deserved the victory in March. His forward pressure and refusal to be intimidated by Davis’s power earned praise from Stevenson, who called Roach “a real dog” on X, even offering him a title shot if the Davis rematch falls through. Trainer Greg Hackett described the rematch as a 55-45 toss-up, giving Roach a slight edge for exceeding expectations last time but stressing that both fighters must bring their absolute best. Garcia, while favoring Davis to make adjustments, warned that mental lapses could be costly, urging Tank to stay fully focused.
The rematch is poised to settle one of boxing’s biggest debates, with fans clamoring for a definitive winner after the contentious draw. Davis, under pressure to protect his 30-0-1 (28 KOs) record and pound-for-pound status, faces a career-defining moment. A second failure against Roach could tarnish his legacy, especially with Stevenson waiting in the wings for a blockbuster showdown. Roach, with a 25-1-2 (10 KOs) record, has nothing to lose and everything to gain, aiming to prove his performance was no fluke. As the boxing world counts down to August 16, the clash promises to deliver fireworks, with Tank’s newfound intensity and Roach’s fearless approach setting the stage for an unforgettable night.
