Gervonta “Tank” Davis demonstrated his exceptional boxing skills once again as he successfully defended his WBA lightweight title by defeating Frank “The Ghost” Martin in the eighth round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The highly anticipated match, attended by 13,249 fans, showcased Davis’s strategic prowess and powerful punches.
Despite a 421-day hiatus from the ring, Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) maintained his undefeated record, knocking out Martin (18-1, 12 KOs) at 1:29 of the eighth round. Judges Tim Cheatham, Steve Weisfeld, and Max De Luca all had Davis ahead 67-66 on their scorecards at the time of the stoppage.
A Fighter’s Resilience
Davis’s victory over Martin marked his first fight since stopping Ryan Garcia in April 2023. His preparation for the bout included overcoming personal challenges, notably a 44-day stay in a Baltimore detention center last summer for violating house arrest from a hit-and-run incident in 2020. Reflecting on this period, Davis acknowledged its impact on his personal growth and resilience.
“Yeah, there’s a little rust, but it’s OK. I’m back,” Davis said post-fight. “The incarceration made me a better person with patience and things like that. It made me a better person, made me a better father.”
Martin, the No. 5-rated lightweight by The Ring, attempted to establish his jab early in the fight, while Davis patiently analyzed his opponent, looking for weaknesses. The early rounds saw Martin trying to control the bout with body shots and a high guard, but Davis’s strategic adjustments soon began to shift the momentum.
Strategic Dominance
The third round saw Davis landing a significant left to Martin’s body, hinting at his growing dominance. Martin’s early lead began to wane as Davis’s precise strikes and mental calculations took effect. By the fifth round, Davis had found his range, landing a right hook and forcing Martin to lower his guard multiple times.
Martin’s strategy to disrupt Davis’s rhythm and make the fight scrappy appeared to work initially. However, as the fight progressed, Davis’s superior conditioning and tactical prowess became evident. By the seventh round, Davis was firmly in control, landing consistent lefts to Martin’s head and body.
The Final Blow
The eighth round proved decisive. Davis trapped Martin in the corner, delivering a series of overhand lefts and uppercuts. With 1:47 left in the round, Davis landed a left uppercut followed by a straight left to Martin’s head, knocking him out. Referee Harvey Dock counted out Martin at 1:29, sealing Davis’s victory.
Reflecting on his defeat, Martin admitted, “I felt like in the beginning I was in control, then I got a little too comfortable. I stopped doing my movement. He came in and landed a big shot, and it was a shot I didn’t see.”