Mike Tyson was, undoubtedly, ‘the face of boxing’ during the post-Muhammad Ali era. Despite the personal and professional challenges he faced later, one can’t deny that he mattered in bringing people back to the arena and equally in front of their television sets. It’s been nearly two decades since he retired, and he feels that the ‘face of boxing’ crown should adorn another head.

Many call Gervonta Davis, the lightweight version of Mike Tyson, owing to his in-ring aggression and knockout power. The likeness also probably trickles down from how ‘Tank’ Davis stalks an opponent. Once he has them cornered, the devastating pummeling leaves no alternative for the opponent but to crash out. The twenty-eight-year-old Baltimore-born Davis already enjoyed a far-reaching name behind an unbeaten record and a not-so-familiar 93% knockout-to-win rate.

Barring an exception or two, the Southpaw’s critics did point out a conceivable absence of opponents with a caliber in his resume. However, that fissure seems filled with the emphatic win over Ryan Garcia. The Californian is a quintessential ‘Generation-Z’ boxer who enjoys sweeping global popularity because of his dashing Hollywood looks and delectable ring performance.

It seems Mike Tyson had a hunch about the fight’s outcome and it turned out to be true. But the non-title fight at 136 lbs catchweight presented a modern quandary. Given the hype, talks, fighters’ interactions, and financials, the bout added weight, especially on the winner. Anyone who wins such a big fight must shoulder the responsibility as the ‘face of boxing.’

“Gervonta Davis is the face of boxing, but…” – Mike Tyson

So did Gervonta Davis become the ‘face of boxing’? While the question remains between a rock and a hard place, as far as the protagonists go, Davis, for apparent reasons, believes so. His response to the question post-fight has reached cult-level status. When asked, “I remember many years ago, we spoke, and you spoke to our production group. You said I’ve watched Floyd; I watched Canelo. I look at the tapes of Ray Leonard, Manny Pacquiao, all these guys. I’am going to be the face of boxing. Are you now?” And a smiling Gervonta Davis replied, “I’am definitely face of boxing. Abso-f****g-lutely.”

Now, he’s also got strong backing because Mike Tyson also believes that Gervonta Davis is indeed the ‘face of boxing.’ TalkSPORT’s Michael Benson shared a tweet yesterday, which has ‘Iron’ Mike’s statement on Davis. However, according to the youngest Heavyweight champion, the credit for becoming so doesn’t go to ‘Tank’ entirely.

While speaking to ‘Pro Wrestling Bits‘ yesterday, Tyson explained his stand, saying, “Well, listen, he is possible. He is truly right. He is the face of boxing. But that’s because Ryan Garcia is the draw, you know what I mean? And that makes him the face of boxing because of the amount of people that he fills in the arena. You know, since that fight, normally Ryan Garcia fans will turn over the Tank fans, and he’s gonna have the biggest drawing power…..”

Even the other day, Davis’ argument received strong support from eminent sports journalist and commentator Stephen A. Smith, who said, “Yes, a legitimate argument can be made that he is the face of boxing….”

Hence, there’s a multifold enhancement in Gervonta Davis’ profile after defeating a superstar like Ryan Garcia. And if he continues to send other big names to the canvas, then perhaps, questions on whether he is the ‘face of boxing’ may cease for good.

Read More: Mike Tyson Declines Free Tickets Worth $20,000 to Ryan Garcia vs. Gervonta Davis

What is your take on Mike Tyson’s statement? Do you agree or disagree that Gervonta Davis is now ‘the face of boxing’? Do share your views and opinions with us in the comments below.

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