Gervonta Davis recently exposed proof that Floyd Mayweather avoided a potential fight with him. In the midst of this revelation, Shakur Stevenson criticized Davis for cherry-picking his opponents to minimize risk. Stevenson accused Davis of choosing Frank Martin to defend his WBA regular lightweight title because Martin is an easier win, rather than facing a more challenging opponent like Edwin De Los Santos.

Stevenson, the reigning WBC lightweight champion, claimed that if Davis were genuinely inclined to take risks, he would have fought De Los Santos, who posed a significant threat with his skills and power. Stevenson’s frustration grew when Martin withdrew from their scheduled match, seeing it as further evidence of Davis avoiding tough competition.

In response, Davis dismissed Stevenson’s criticisms, stating that Stevenson’s name was just one among many on his latest contract. Davis implied that a fight with Stevenson wouldn’t generate as much interest or revenue as a rematch with either Ryan Garcia or Isaac Cruz. He suggested that Stevenson’s limited recognition outside dedicated boxing fans wouldn’t elevate their bout to the level of a major spectacle.

Stevenson argued that defeating a formidable opponent like De Los Santos would earn Davis more credit and prove his prowess. He criticized the current trend in boxing where fighters prioritize minimizing risks while maximizing earnings, a strategy popularized by Floyd Mayweather Jr. Stevenson highlighted his own accomplishments as a three-weight world champion, contrasting it with Davis’s single title in his career.

In a discussion on “Cigar Talks,” Davis openly critiqued Stevenson’s skills, questioning his defensive abilities and the potency of his punches. Davis claimed Stevenson’s defensive maneuvers lacked agility and finesse, making them ineffective. He also criticized Stevenson’s offensive tactics as repetitive and predictable, suggesting they would be easy to counter.

Despite Davis’s dismissive comments, Stevenson remains eager to face him in the ring. Their exchanges have become a spectacle, with fans wondering if the highly anticipated showdown will ever materialize. Todd DuBoef, president of Top Rank, expressed hope for the fight, believing it makes sense and could happen if Davis, the pay-per-view star, agrees.

Meanwhile, Davis is preparing for a fight against Frank Martin. Ryan Garcia, who lost to Davis in April 2023, surprisingly wagered a seven-figure sum on Davis defeating Martin within seven rounds. Garcia’s bet raised eyebrows, as he has no animosity toward Martin but is motivated by his upcoming fight against Errol Spence Jr.

Davis is also open to a rematch with Garcia, on the condition that Garcia maintains his weight at 140 lbs. This stipulation raises questions about Garcia’s ability to meet the requirement given his recent controversies, including a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs after his victory over Devin Haney.

Additionally, Vasiliy Lomachenko’s recent knockout victory over George Kambosos has reignited interest in the lightweight division. However, a potential bout between Lomachenko and Davis seems unlikely due to their different promotional affiliations, with Davis being part of PBC and Lomachenko representing Top Rank.

In conclusion, the dynamics in the lightweight division are complex, with accusations of cherry-picking opponents and strategic decisions impacting potential matchups. While Stevenson continues to call out Davis, the latter remains focused on his upcoming fights, leaving fans eagerly waiting to see if a confrontation between the two will eventually happen.