Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Gervonta Davis

Public opinion and media debates around Gervonta Davis—discover key moments of controversy.

Gervonta "Tank" Davis is an American professional boxer with multiple world titles across different weight classes. He held the IBF super featherweight title in 2017, the WBA super featherweight title twice between 2018 and 2020, the WBA super lightweight title in 2021, and the WBA lightweight title from 2023 to 2026 in addition to holding the regular version from 2019-2023. Davis is a prominent figure in the boxing world.

Sections (5)

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

May 20, 2017: Title Defense Against Liam Walsh

On May 20, 2017, Gervonta Davis stopped Liam Walsh in the third round to retain his IBF title in London, although Davis initially struggled to make weight. Many believed the stoppage was premature.

August 1, 2017: Aggravated Assault Allegation

On August 1, 2017, an alleged incident took place involving Gervonta Davis, which led to an arrest warrant for first-degree aggravated assault being issued on September 19, 2017.

August 26, 2017: Davis Stripped of IBF Title

On August 26, 2017, Gervonta Davis was stripped of his IBF title after failing to make weight for his fight against Francisco Fonseca. Davis won the fight via controversial KO, but the IBF title remained vacant.

September 19, 2017: Arrest Warrant Issued for Davis

On September 19, 2017, an arrest warrant was issued for Gervonta Davis, who was being accused of first-degree aggravated assault related to an alleged incident that took place on August 1, 2017.

November 29, 2017: Assault Charges Dropped

On November 29, 2017, the assault charges against Gervonta Davis were dropped after his childhood friend Anthony Wheeler, who had accused Davis of punching him, dropped the charges.

September 14, 2018: Davis Arrested in Washington D.C.

On September 14, 2018, Gervonta Davis was arrested in Washington, D.C., after being involved in a fist fight. He and another man were reportedly fighting, and both tried to flee before the police arrived.

February 1, 2020: Arrested on charges of simple battery/domestic violence

On February 1, 2020, Gervonta Davis was arrested for simple battery and domestic violence against his former girlfriend at the Watsco Center during a basketball game. He allegedly grabbed her shirt near her throat and dragged her into another room.

November 2020: Car crash after birthday party

In November 2020, Gervonta Davis allegedly caused a serious car crash after running a red light after a birthday party in Downtown Baltimore. His Lamborghini Urus struck another car and left it smoking, sending its four occupants to the hospital, including a pregnant woman. He allegedly left the scene in a Camaro.

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 serious car crash after running a red light in November 2020 in Downtown Baltimore. His Lamborghini Urus struck another car, injuring four occupants, including a pregnant woman. He allegedly left the scene in a Camaro.

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, claiming he was going to kill her. Police observed an abrasion on her lip, with Davis accused of striking her.

May 5, 2023: Sentenced to house arrest and probation

On May 5, 2023, Gervonta Davis was sentenced to 90 days of house arrest and 3 years of probation for leaving the scene of an accident involving bodily injury, failing to notify an owner of property damage, driving on a suspended license, and running a red light.

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.

March 4, 2025: Roach Camp Files Appeal

On March 4, 2025, it was reported that Lamont Roach's camp filed an appeal to the NYSAC to overturn the draw result of his fight against Gervonta Davis.

July 11, 2025: Arrested on battery charge in Miami Beach

On July 11, 2025, Gervonta Davis was arrested in Miami Beach on a battery charge. The alleged incident took place outside his ex-girlfriend's residence on Father's Day, June 15. He reportedly struck her on the back of the head and slapped her during a dispute over their children, causing a small cut inside her lip. He was released later that day on $10,000 bond.

October 27, 2025: Alleged assault incident

On October 27, 2025, an incident allegedly occurred in which Gervonta Davis reportedly assaulted his former girlfriend, Courtney Rossel, resulting in police involvement. She claimed that he choked her, threatened to kill her, and assaulted her both in private and in public settings.

October 31, 2025: Civil lawsuit filed by former girlfriend

On October 31, 2025, it was reported that Gervonta Davis was involved in a civil lawsuit filed by his former girlfriend, Courtney Rossel. She claimed multiple instances of violence, including battery and kidnapping, and sought damages.

2025: Civil Lawsuit and Fight Cancellation

In 2025, Gervonta Davis was mentioned in a civil lawsuit accusing him of violent behavior, battery, and kidnapping, leading to the cancellation of his fight card with Jake Paul.

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. He was facing charges of battery, false imprisonment, and attempted kidnapping due to video surveillance evidence.

January 16, 2026: Davis Stripped of WBA Title

On January 16, 2026, WBA president Gilberto Mendoza announced that Gervonta Davis was stripped of the WBA lightweight title due to domestic violence accusations.

January 19, 2026: Davis Stripped of WBA Title

On January 19, 2026, it was revealed that Gervonta Davis had been stripped of the WBA lightweight title due to domestic violence accusations.

January 28, 2026: Arrested and released on bond

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

March 27, 2026: Felony false imprisonment charge dismissed

On March 27, 2026, TMZ reported that the felony false imprisonment charge against Gervonta Davis was dismissed by authorities as it was deemed redundant. However, the felony kidnapping charge remained active. Davis had also filed a countersuit seeking damages exceeding $20 million, alleging that his former girlfriend provoked a confrontation to frame and extort him. The suit also claimed she knew about Davis' lucrative fight against Jake Paul, which was expected to generate over $20 million, and demanded $1.1 million from Davis' manager.