History of Gervonta Davis in Timeline

Gervonta "Tank" Davis is a prominent American professional boxer. He has achieved significant success, holding multiple world titles across different weight classes. These include the IBF super featherweight title in 2017, the WBA super featherweight title on two occasions between 2018 and 2020, the WBA super lightweight title in 2021, the WBA lightweight title from 2023 to 2026 and the regular version from 2019 to 2023, establishing himself as a top-rated fighter in the sport.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1940: Harry Jeffra's Title Defense

In 1940, Harry Jeffra defended a world title in Baltimore, Maryland, before Gervonta Davis did so on July 27, 2019.

November 7, 1994: Gervonta Davis Born

On November 7, 1994, Gervonta Bryant Davis, nicknamed "Tank", was born. He is an American professional boxer.

Others born on this day/year

2006: National Silver Gloves Championship

In 2006, Gervonta Davis won the first of three straight National Silver Gloves Championships, continuing until 2008.

2008: National Silver Gloves Championship

In 2008, Gervonta Davis won his third straight National Silver Gloves Championship, having won the first in 2006.

2012: National Golden Gloves Championship

In 2012, Gervonta Davis won the National Golden Gloves Championship.

February 22, 2013: Professional Debut

On February 22, 2013, at the age of 18, Gervonta Davis made his professional debut against Desi Williams at the D.C. Armory in Washington, winning by first-round knockout (KO).

August 2014: Undefeated Record

By August 2014, Gervonta Davis had recorded 8 wins and no losses, with all wins coming inside the distance.

October 2014: Unanimous Decision Win Against Germán Meraz

In October 2014, Gervonta Davis defeated veteran Germán Meraz by unanimous decision (UD), marking the first time Davis went the full distance in a fight.

February 20, 2015: First Stoppage of Israel Suarez

On February 20, 2015, Gervonta Davis became the first person to stop Israel Suarez, winning by a first-round KO at the CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

May 22, 2015: Technical Knockout Victory Over Alberto Mora

On May 22, 2015, Gervonta Davis scored a technical knockout (TKO) against Alberto Mora at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

September 12, 2015: Defeats Recky Dulay

On September 12, 2015, Gervonta Davis defeated Recky Dulay in 94 seconds at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Showtime as part of the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Andre Berto undercard.

October 30, 2015: Defeats Cristobal Cruz

On October 30, 2015, Gervonta Davis defeated veteran Cristobal Cruz at The Venue at UCF in Orlando, Florida, on Bounce TV.

December 18, 2015: Knockout Victory Over Luis Sanchez

On December 18, 2015, Gervonta Davis scored a ninth-round KO over Luis Sanchez at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas on Spike TV.

April 1, 2016: Defeats Guillermo Avila by KO

On April 1, 2016, Gervonta Davis defeated Guillermo Avila by KO in the sixth round at the D.C. Armory on Spike TV.

June 3, 2016: Knockout Victory Over Mario Antonio Macias

On June 3, 2016, Gervonta Davis knocked out Mario Antonio Macias with his first punch of the fight, which lasted only 41 seconds, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, as part of a Premier Boxing Champions card.

June 2016: Lomachenko KO

Roman Martinez loss by KO to Vasyl Lomachenko in June 2016.

November 15, 2016: Davis to challenge Pedraza

On November 15, 2016, ESPN announced that Gervonta Davis would challenge José Pedraza for the IBF super featherweight title on January 14, 2017.

January 14, 2017: Wins IBF Super Featherweight Title

On January 14, 2017, Gervonta Davis defeated José Pedraza in a seventh-round KO at the Barclays Center in New York on Showtime to win the IBF super featherweight title.

May 7, 2017: Title Defense Announcement

On May 7, 2017, it was announced that Gervonta Davis would travel to London, England, for his first title defense against Liam Walsh on May 20, 2017.

May 20, 2017: Retains IBF Title Against Liam Walsh

On May 20, 2017, Gervonta Davis stopped Liam Walsh in the third round in London to retain his IBF title, although he initially had trouble making weight. The fight was shown live on Showtime in the U.S.

July 2017: Mayweather-McGregor Co-Main Event

In early July 2017, it was reported by TMZ Sports that Gervonta Davis would be in the co-main event of Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Conor McGregor on August 26, 2017.

August 1, 2017: Alleged Assault Incident

On August 1, 2017, Gervonta Davis was involved in an alleged incident of first-degree aggravated assault, which led to an arrest warrant being issued on September 19, 2017.

August 26, 2017: Davis Stripped of Title

On August 26, 2017, Gervonta Davis was stripped of his IBF title after failing to make weight for his fight against Francisco Fonseca. He still won the fight by controversial KO in round eight, which kept the title vacant.

September 19, 2017: Arrest Warrant Issued for Davis

On September 19, 2017, an arrest warrant was issued for Gervonta Davis for first-degree aggravated assault related to an alleged incident on August 1, 2017. He was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond.

November 15, 2017: In-Ring Return Announcement

On November 15, 2017, Leonard Ellerbe announced that Gervonta Davis would return to the ring in the first quarter of 2018 and would likely challenge for a world title.

November 29, 2017: Assault Charges Dropped Against Davis

On November 29, 2017, the misdemeanor second-degree assault charges against Gervonta Davis were dropped after the complainant, Anthony Wheeler, withdrew his complaint. Davis and Wheeler embraced and left the courtroom together.

2017: IBF Super Featherweight Title

In 2017, Gervonta Davis held the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super featherweight title.

January 24, 2018: Showtime Appearance Announced

On January 24, 2018, Showtime announced that Gervonta Davis would appear on television on the undercard of Broner vs. Vargas on April 21.

June 2018: Mares' Loss to Santa Cruz

In June 2018, Abner Mares lost his last fight against Léo Santa Cruz, prior to his planned fight against Davis.

August 2018: Teased Fight Against Mares

In August 2018, Mayweather teased a fight between Davis and Mares via social media, with no mention of a date or venue.

September 14, 2018: Arrested for Fist Fight

On September 14, 2018, Gervonta Davis was arrested in Washington, D.C., after allegedly engaging in a fist fight with another man. The police report indicated that punches were exchanged, and both men attempted to flee before the authorities arrived.

November 2018: Davis Announces Title Defense

In November 2018, Gervonta Davis announced that he would defend his WBA title in February 2019 against Abner Mares.

2018: WBA Super Featherweight Title

In 2018, Gervonta Davis held the World Boxing Association (WBA) (Super version) super featherweight title.

February 9, 2019: Confirmed Fight Date

On February 9, 2019, it was confirmed that the fight between Gervonta Davis and Abner Mares would take place at Pechanga Arena in San Diego on Showtime.

February 2019: WBA title defense against Abner Mares

In February 2019, Gervonta Davis was set to defend his WBA title against Abner Mares in Southern California.

July 27, 2019: TKO Win Over Ricardo Núñez

On July 27, 2019, Gervonta Davis defended his WBA (Super) super featherweight title, beating Ricardo Núñez by second-round technical knockout in Baltimore, Maryland.

December 28, 2019: Wins WBA Lightweight Title

On December 28, 2019, Gervonta Davis won the vacant WBA (Regular) lightweight title against Yuriorkis Gamboa by twelfth-round technical knockout, in a fight where Gamboa had a torn Achilles.

2019: WBA Lightweight Title

In 2019, Gervonta Davis held the regular version of the World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight title from 2019 to 2023.

February 1, 2020: Arrested for Domestic Violence

On February 1, 2020, Gervonta Davis was arrested on charges of simple battery/domestic violence against his former girlfriend at the Watsco Center at the University of Miami. He was observed grabbing her shirt near her throat and dragging her to another room.

October 31, 2020: Davis vs. Léo Santa Cruz

On October 31, 2020, Gervonta Davis made his PPV debut, moving down to super featherweight to face Léo Santa Cruz for the WBA (Super) title at The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Davis won by knockout in the sixth round, retaining his lightweight title and capturing the WBA (Super) super featherweight title. The knockout was later awarded The Ring Magazine Knockout of The Year for 2020.

November 2020: Car Crash After Birthday Party

In November 2020, Gervonta Davis allegedly caused a serious car crash after running a red light following a birthday party in Downtown Baltimore. His Lamborghini Urus struck another car, injuring its occupants.

2020: WBA Super Featherweight Title

In 2020, Gervonta Davis held the World Boxing Association (WBA) (Super version) super featherweight title for the second time.

March 22, 2021: Indicted on Fourteen Counts for Car Crash

On March 22, 2021, Gervonta Davis was indicted on fourteen counts for allegedly causing a car crash after running a red light in Downtown Baltimore in November 2020. His Lamborghini Urus struck another car, injuring its four occupants, including a pregnant woman, after which he allegedly left the scene.

June 26, 2021: Davis vs. Mario Barrios

On June 26, 2021, Gervonta Davis faced Mario Barrios at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, for the WBA (Regular) super lightweight title. Davis won by TKO in the eleventh round after knocking Barrios down multiple times. At the time of the stoppage, Davis was leading on all three judges' scorecards.

August 21, 2021: Davis Involved in Airplane Incident

On August 21, 2021, Gervonta Davis was on board a Gulfstream 4 that experienced a nosewheel collapse and skidded off the runway at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. Fortunately, he and the other thirteen passengers sustained no injuries.

October 6, 2021: Davis Announces Fight with Rolando Romero, Later Faces Isaac Cruz

On October 6, 2021, Gervonta Davis announced he would fight Rolando Romero on December 5. However, Romero was replaced by Isaac Cruz due to allegations. Davis ultimately fought Cruz on the announced date and won by unanimous decision, marking only the second time in his career that he went the full distance.

2021: WBA Super Lightweight Title

In 2021, Gervonta Davis held the World Boxing Association (WBA) super lightweight title (Regular version).

January 2022: Davis Ordered to Fight Rolando Romero

In January 2022, after Rolando Romero's sexual abuse allegations were unsubstantiated, the WBA ordered Gervonta Davis to defend his WBA (Regular) title against Romero. The pair were given until February 24 to come to terms for the fight.

December 27, 2022: Arrested for Battery Domestic Violence

On December 27, 2022, Gervonta Davis was arrested and jailed in Florida on a charge of battery domestic violence. A woman was heard begging police for help, but later recanted her accusation.

January 7, 2023: Davis vs. Héctor García

On January 7, 2023, Gervonta Davis fought Héctor García at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., marking his first fight since splitting with Floyd Mayweather Jr. Davis won by eighth-round corner retirement after a closely-contested fight was temporarily halted due to a ringside disturbance.

February 24, 2023: Davis vs. Ryan Garcia Announced

On February 24, 2023, it was announced that Gervonta Davis would face Ryan Garcia in a catchweight bout on April 22 in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a joint PPV event between Showtime and DAZN. The fight included a 10lb rehydration clause.

May 5, 2023: Sentenced in Car Crash Case

On May 5, 2023, Gervonta Davis was sentenced to 90 days of house arrest and 3 years of probation after pleading guilty to charges related to the November 2020 car crash.

June 1, 2023: Taken into Custody for Violating Home Detention

On June 1, 2023, Gervonta Davis was taken into custody for violating the terms of his home detention and was sentenced to serve the remainder of his sentence in jail.

July 14, 2023: Released from Jail

On July 14, 2023, Gervonta Davis completed the confinement portion of his sentence and was released from a Baltimore jail after serving 44 days.

November 29, 2023: Davis Elevated to WBA Lightweight Champion

On November 29, 2023, after Devin Haney relinquished his WBA (Super) lightweight title, Gervonta Davis was elevated to primary WBA lightweight champion.

December 24, 2023: Davis Converts to Islam

On December 24, 2023, Gervonta Davis converted to Islam and adopted the Muslim name Abdul Wahid.

2023: WBA Lightweight Title

In 2023, Gervonta Davis held the World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight title and the regular version from 2019 to 2023.

June 15, 2024: Davis vs. Frank Martin

On June 15, 2024, Gervonta Davis defended his WBA lightweight title against Frank Martin at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Davis won the fight by 8th-round knockout.

October 2024: Davis vs. Roach Postponed

In October 2024, the scheduled fight between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. on December 14 was reported as postponed.

November 13, 2024: Davis vs. Roach Targeted for March 1, 2025

On November 13, 2024, it was reported that the fight between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. was "targeted" for March 1, 2025.

November 29, 2024: Davis vs. Roach Confirmed for Barclays Center

On November 29, 2024, the bout between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach was confirmed to take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY on March 1, 2025.

December 14, 2024: Davis vs. Roach Postponed

Gervonta Davis's scheduled WBA lightweight title defense against Lamont Roach Jr., initially set for December 14, 2024, at Toyota Center in Houston, TX, was postponed in October 2024.

March 1, 2025: Davis vs. Roach Confirmed for March 1, 2025

On November 29, 2024, the bout between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach was confirmed to take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY on March 1, 2025.

March 4, 2025: Roach's Camp Files Appeal

On March 4, 2025, Roach's camp filed an appeal to the NYSAC to overturn the draw decision in his fight against Davis.

July 11, 2025: Arrested on Battery Charge

On July 11, 2025, Gervonta Davis was taken into custody in Miami Beach on a battery charge, stemming from an alleged incident on Father's Day, June 15, where he reportedly struck his ex-girlfriend. He was later released on a $10,000 bond.

August 12, 2025: Domestic Violence Case Dropped

On August 12, 2025, the domestic violence case against Gervonta Davis was dropped as the victim declined to prosecute.

August 20, 2025: Davis Announces Exhibition Fight with Jake Paul

On August 20, 2025, Gervonta Davis announced an exhibition fight with Jake Paul on November 14 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, to be livestreamed by Netflix. Davis expressed disengagement from boxing and criticized the sport's lack of loyalty, hinting at retirement after the exhibition.

October 27, 2025: Alleged Assault Incident

On October 27, 2025, an incident allegedly occurred where Gervonta Davis reportedly assaulted his former girlfriend, Courtney Rossel, leading to police involvement and later an arrest warrant being issued in January 2026.

October 31, 2025: Civil Lawsuit Filed by Former Girlfriend

On October 31, 2025, it was reported that Gervonta Davis was facing a civil lawsuit filed by his former girlfriend, Courtney Rossel, claiming multiple instances of violence, including battery and kidnapping, with one incident occurring on October 27.

November 2025: Davis Exhibition Fight with Jake Paul

In November 2025, Gervonta Davis was scheduled for an exhibition fight with Jake Paul.

2025: Davis Mentioned in Civil Lawsuit, Paul Fight Cancelled

In 2025, two weeks prior to the fight Davis was mentioned in a civil lawsuit, causing concerns about the scheduled fight with Jake Paul. On November 4, Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix announced the cancellation of the event.

January 14, 2026: Arrest Warrant Issued

On January 14, 2026, the Miami Gardens Police Department issued an arrest warrant for Gervonta Davis based on the alleged October 27, 2025 incident with Courtney Rossel, facing charges of battery, false imprisonment, and attempted kidnapping.

January 16, 2026: WBA Announced Davis Stripped of Title

On January 16, 2026, WBA president Gilberto Mendoza announced that Gervonta Davis had been stripped of the WBA lightweight title due to his ongoing legal troubles and an arrest warrant for domestic violence.

January 17, 2026: WBA Downgrades Davis' Status

On January 17, 2026, the WBA downgraded Gervonta Davis' status to 'Champion in recess' due to his ongoing legal troubles.

January 19, 2026: Davis Stripped of WBA Lightweight Title

On January 19, 2026, it was revealed that Gervonta Davis had been stripped of the WBA lightweight title, with the decision initially announced on January 16, 2026, by WBA president Gilberto Mendoza due to domestic violence accusations and an arrest warrant.

January 28, 2026: Arrest and Release on Bond

On January 28, 2026, Gervonta Davis was arrested following a two-week search related to the alleged October 27, 2025 incident with Courtney Rossel and was released later that day on a $16,000 bond.