WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis may soon appear in the ring for the second time in 2024. The word on the street is WBA super featherweight champion Lamont Roach Jr. was granted special permission by the World Boxing Association to make this fight happen instead of his mandatory fight against Albert Batyrgaziev. 

The WBA previously summoned Roach to face interim titlist Batyrgaziev earlier this year. However, a one-time exception was made for Roach to face Davis for the WBA lightweight title instead. Revealing this in a statement, the WBA also claimed, “NoXcuse Boxing Promotions sent the formal request on September 13, which was received by the committee to be considered and consulted with the team of Albert Batyrgaziev.”

There are speculations about when and where this fight may go down, with a working date of December 14th. However, Ring Magazine’s Jake Donovan claims to have learned that the PBC on Prime Pay-Per-View could also transpire on December 21st. As for the location, Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. seems to be targeted.

However, the NHL’s Washington Capitals have a game on December 14th in the arena, making the latter date more plausible. Las Vegas also seems to be in consideration for this bout, and if the fight happens in Vegas, the event could see a co-feature by David Benavidez. The duo previously did something similar on June 15th at MGM Grand Garden Arena. 

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Regardless, the outcome of this fight will dictate whether Roach will have to face his mandatory down the line. In case of an upset win for Roach, he will have a five-day deadline to decide whether he will stay in the lightweight division or drop back to super featherweight. Conversely, a loss will set him on a 120-day collision course with Batyrgaziev to defend his super featherweight title. 

This clearly is not the biggest fight Davis could have landed, especially after talks with Vasyl Lomachenko fell apart. However, he does have challengers waiting at the ready to step in the ring with him. 

Keyshawn Davis wants all the smoke against Gervonta Davis 

Rising lightweight contender Keyshawn Davis has expressed his confidence in defeating the WBA lightweight champion Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis. Keyshawn believes his height, weight, and technical mastery would give him an edge over the shorter Davis, who is known for his knockout power. 

“Me and Tank fight. I feel like that’s cautious. We all know what Tank got. He’s got that one shot to knock you out. So, that’s the only thing I’m looking out for,” said Keyshawn in media reports. Keyshawn roped in the Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston fight, suggesting his speed and defense could overwhelm ‘Tank.’ “I just feel like I’ve got more weapons than he’s got,” he added. 

That being said, it appears Gervonta Davis will have to settle for Lamont Roach Jr. for now. However, given the lack of opponents, he might have to agree to face Shakur Stevenson after this fight or consider moving weight. What are your thoughts on the fight?