Home

Boxing

Hours After Gervonta Davis Buys Buildings in Baltimore for Renovation, His Coach Calvin Ford Announces Tragedy – Apartments Set for Rehabilitation Catches Fire

Published 12/22/2023, 7:16 PM EST

Follow Us

via Imago

A few hours ago, Gervonta Davis‘ long-time trainer, Calvin Ford, shared a clip through his Instagram account. It showed a few fire engines and a group of firefighters. They were in front of an apartment block that appeared to have caught fire some time ago. However, some smoke still bellowed from the windows. A few firefighters appeared on the terrace. Thus, it looked like they had brought the blaze under control.

But what many fans and followers may find disturbing could be the details regarding the place where the incident occurred. It is the place that Coach Ford’s famous charge, Gervonta Davis, bought yesterday for renovation. The lightweight world champion, as part of his community outreach through his GTD Development, took over the charge of around nine properties in the neighborhood in Baltimore, where he grew up.

Gervonta Davis wanted to give back to the community!

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The boxer grew up in Sandtown-Winchester, a neighborhood in West Baltimore. It was an area where crime and poverty overflowed. However, he eventually found success in boxing. Now, in order to give back, Davis has been involving himself with the community in one way or another. The latest move aims to refurbish the properties so that affordable housing can be provided.

He said, “I definitely want to thank everybody that was included and helped us make this happen. I feel as though when I was coming up, we didn’t have somebody to be hands-on with us.” Reportedly, the project was said to commence with an empty building at 1542 North Woodyear Street. City Council President Nick Mosby and many others appreciated Davis’ move.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Boxing stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Lauding the world champion boxer for his generosity, Mr. Mosby said, “Tank, when he goes around the world, he literally carries the city of Baltimore on his back. For you to come back, invest in your hometown, invest in your community, and invest in your block—is truly, truly special.

Michael Benson from ‘TalkSPORT’ also shared the incident on Twitter. “Gervonta Davis’ trainer Calvin Ford going live on Instagram today seemingly to show that the block Tank bought to rebuild for affordable housing where he grew up in Baltimore has partially burned just a day after he purchased it…,” he wrote.

Now, these were the same properties that caught fire. Social media users were not happy with what happened.

It’s simply not done; many followers are angry

One of the messages that appeared on Calvin Ford’s Instagram Story sounded very upset and sad. They wrote, “@gervontaa, @calvinford, I’am so upset; please don’t give up in our city.

There was a voice message too: “They f**king burned down the block that Tank just bought, and I swear to God like, when they come to Baltimore, there’s no win…..this man is a world champ! And he wanted to give back to the community he was raised in….that community is on fire day after he pay for it…

As a young child, Davis witnessed drug abuse and gun violence in his neighborhood. As he overcame his childhood struggles and went on to become one of the biggest names in boxing, he did not forget his roots.

A message on Coach Ford’s post read, “Nahhh, somebody tried burning the building that tank just bought? SMH, the heat be so real; that’s why sometimes you gotta leave your city and don’t turn back.

It seemed the residual heat still prevailed; as the clip showed, a firefighter directed a hose towards the building. By this time, people had thronged the entire lane, with a few taking videos.

“More reason to move in silence these days Idk why ppl think you owe this city anything once you make it out .. Streets smile in your face and plot your demise at the same time THEY DONT LOVE YOU,” reacted another social media user.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

A sad Instagram user wrote, “This why it hurts to look out for your city pretty sure most would appreciate it but miserable people love company so sad.”

As far as boxing is concerned, Gervonta Davis hasn’t returned to the ring after the Ryan Garcia fight. Fans hope that he should be back in the ring by the first quarter of next year.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Do you think Gervonta Davis has received the credit that’s due him for all the philanthropic activities he has done? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Gervonta Davis Pays For Thanksgiving Turkeys For The Homeless

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Jaideep R Unnithan

1,572Articles

One take at a time

“Heroism is endurance for one moment more.” I’ve been a lifelong Karateka with immense respect and admiration for the sweet science. Now, for the first time, I’ve got an opportunity to be as close as possible to the sport.
Show More>

Edited by:

Arijit Saha