It’s ‘Tank’-War now. After that sensational win over Ryan Garcia, which established him as one of the faces of boxing ‘abso-f**king-lutely’, Gervonta Davis returns to the ring on June 15. However, unlike the last match, when he fought a catchweight bout with Garcia, this time he has to defend his WBA lightweight title from Frank Martin. The sparring video of the two boxers had sparked controversy not long ago. They came face-to-face during the kick-off press conference for their match at the MGM Grand Arena.

Incidentally, the event is co-headlined by the fight for the WBC (interim) light heavyweight title between David Benavidez and Oleksandr Gvozdyk. At the presser, the two 175-pounders went about their business in the most composed manner. However, Davis and Martin’s discussion was anything but collected and controlled. The reigning champion went straight after his challenger. It didn’t take him much time to raise his battle cry, reminding Martin about the storm he would face in June.

Gervonta Davis Throws the Gauntlet

Initially, it was all smiles. ‘Tank’, after the thank-you notes, spoke about David Benavidez. He revealed how he had been impressed by ‘The Monster’s performance against Caleb Plant. Davis touched base with his prison term and house arrest. He mentioned how happy he was with the comeback, doing what he loves to do. “I’m just happy to be back uh here where I’m comfortable at where I’m you know um I could be flawless, and you know, and do what I do best, and that’s uh give you fans the uh best boxing um you seen up to date you,” he said.

However, with that, the tone of the speech changed as it became more about Frank Martin. Calling his opponent a ‘front-runner’, Gervonta Davis took a dig at ‘The Ghost’ hanging around with a bunch of ‘thugs’. Nevertheless, it will be, he said, “a different beast in front of him; it’s a different beast in front of him.” Spilling out that come June 15, and all those who have been walking around with Martin won’t be able to save him from his wrath.

‘Tank’ laid it out coldly: “Nobody that’s walking with him holding him hand in hand is not going to be able to save from June the 15th telling you, and it’s a lot of sh*t built up lot built up and I’m going take it out on him. Sorry, it going to be him, I’m telling you.” Throughout, the audience could hear Frank Martin jutting in between his barbs.

Verbal Volley and Blast From the Past

Host Jimmy Lennon Jr. asked him how he’s going to stop Davis. ‘The Ghost’ replied, “I’ve been watching everything. I know how I know how his a*s walks. I’ve been watching everything. I mean, when we get, I’m touch. I’mma touch him up. I’m touch. His, that’s, I’m touch his a** up. Yeah, the one. I know how him and his whole team walk. I know how they all walk.”

Last year, a clip of Davis and Martin’s sparring session became a talking point. Reports filled in that the latter gave the champion stiff competition. It seems the incident took place at Floyd Mayweather Jr.‘s gym. He had to borrow the gear to enable him to spar. However, when it finally happened, reportedly ‘The Ghost’ proved a tough nut to crack. When the situation between the two became a bit heated, others had to rush in to break them apart. Understandably, ‘Tank’ contended differently.

Frank Martin stands taller and enjoys a slight edge in reach vis-à-vis Gervonta Davis. But only time will tell whether he is able to use his advantages to put the brakes on the ‘Tank’ juggernaut. Otherwise, fans and followers can watch out for the latter’s caution. Past instances prove that he has the nasty habit of proving them true.

What’s your take on the June 15 fight? Do you think Martin has the wherewithal to turn the table on one of boxing’s hardest hitters?