The promotion surrounding Saturday's Showtime pay per view fight between unbeaten lightweights Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Rolando “Rolly” Romero has focused largely on their bad blood. However, it is important to ask who the real merits of said beef are.
Davis (26-0, 24 KOs), a rising star who has headlined PPV card cards across three divisions in four of his last fights, has clearly had no patience for Romero’s antics at all turns, dating back to their original fight date on Dec. 5. The 27-year old native Baltimore, Maryland has maintained that Romero's first defeat was more business than personal.
This may not surprise considering his often shirtless public swagger, and crude style with words. Romero (14-0; 12 KOs), believes that his opponent is full.
Romero said Wednesday to "Morning Kombat", "Let's just say it this way, everything that happens, I feel, is personal." "I could be struck by lightning tomorrow, and it's f---ing private to me." Boxing is an emotionally charged sport, and Gervonta herself is one. He would never have put his f---ing hand on me if it weren't personal.
Romero cites a number of incidents, depending on the interview and day, to explain why he dislikes Davis before their highly anticipated showdown (9 p.m.). ET, Showtime TV PPV at 135 pounds. This is the headliner of the Premier Boxing Champions card, held from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Romero, if you are just starting to catch on, is...different.
Are you a fan of MMA and boxing? Two of the most respected names in combat sports provide the latest news. Get the latest news and analysis from Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell in Morning Kombat. Below is a preview of Davis vs. Romero, which will air on Showtime PPV this weekend.
The 26-year old native Las Vegas man exudes confidence almost maniacal. He also has a fighting style that is just as violent and crude as it is for elite levels. He's a dream reporter in the sense that he's a fountain of colorful, often disparaging quotes. But one never knows if Romero is really the court jester we think he is or a calculated disrupter who is more "crazy as a fox" then he is actually insane.
Romero stated, "It's insane for everyone else, but this shit for me is normal." Bold claims and the truth are one and the same thing.
It would not be unusual for the root of a grudge match between top fighters to be something completely innocuous. Oscar De La Hoya claimed, for instance, that he doesn't even remember the bad laugh he made in the direction Fernando Vargas, during a training session years before their famous 2003 showdown. This PPV was billed as "Bad Blood" and was based on Vargas seeking revenge for his insulting honor.
Four distinct events or categories seem to be the best clues as to what is driving Romero's dislike for Davis.
Romero has been mocking Davis' physical attributes for years. He called him everything, from a dwarf to a "ugly ass motherf---er" with a big head. It will be difficult to miss. Romero has spoken out about Davis' matchmaking ability, including a win over Isaac Cruz in December despite an injury to his left hand. This was after Romero was fired due to allegations of sexual assault on social media. However, no charges were brought against him.
Romero stated, "Everybody talks [about whether I can outbox] Gervonta, but he isn't even a good fighter," He's outboxed by everyone and everyone punches him in his face. It's all smaller guys and heavier opponents. The only person who had a pulse during their fight was Pitbull Cruz, and [he] has absolutely no boxing ability whatsoever. He beat Davis, and I'm talking about Gervonta Davis being outboxed. Shit.
"He has one the most padded records that I have ever seen, and people don’t realize it."
There are also allegations that Davis did not show up to sparring sessions scheduled for 2017.
Romero stated that this is where the problems started. "It was like, "OK, you ducked and you're an f---ing bitch, so that means you will be labeled a bitch from now on."
Romero claims that the point of no returns between the two occurred on the night Errol Spence Jr.'s 2019 defense of his welterweight title against Mikey Garcia in Arlington Texas. Romero claims that he approached Floyd Mayweather, Leonard Ellerbe (the founder and CEO Mayweather Promotions), respectfully at the ringside, only to be shoved by Davis and accosted until Mayweather's security team broke up.
Romero stated, "It was March 16, 2019, but the truth is, he put himself on me for no reason." "Floyd shouted at him and declared that he was a disgrace to the company. Gervonta started to cry and his eyes became watery. Floyd said, 'You're a f---ing dumbass.'
"He grabbed me by the throat and that's already a problem. I tried swinging at him, but he ran away. Although he pushed me, you shouldn't push another man. He is a pusher and has a problem pushing people. He should not do stupid shit with me.
After years of intermittent friction with Mayweather, Davis said that his contract with Mayweather Promotions will end after the fight and that he is ready to make his own decisions. Romero kept the pre-fight story under wraps, saying that Gervonta Davis' obligations towards Mayweather Promotions had nothing to do. He's my job to hit him as hard as possible.
Romero was only seconds away from verbally disrobing Davis. He also took offense at the notion that he's an all-action villain boxing fans hate.
Romero stated, "I'm the villain, but I'm not a bad guy. No." "Mayorga was totally uncivilized. He tried to talk all that gang shit, smoke cigarettes, and shit on peoples' families. Me? I speak only the truth. It's true, I am as real as it gets. I am just a real person, who speaks his mind and is not like everyone else. I don't pretend to be a villain. I simply tell the truth.
"I don’t mean to hurt anyone. Sincerelly, I believe I am a kind person. Everybody around me will tell that I care about everyone and make sure everyone is happy. I am a sweetheart, but inside the ring, it is not true. There is no room for me to be sweetheart. They will f--- me up if I don't. It's almost like war. It's like war.
Truth, as beauty, depends on the eyes of the beholder. It's evident that Romero believes in every word he speaks, no matter how bizarre it may sound.
Romero said it was nothing less than "destiny" that Davis got the second chance. He added, "it wouldn’t have happened again, if it wasn’t meant to happen." It's normal that Romero would predict a Davis knockout with every punch he throws, after calling himself the "most explosive fighter in boxing".
Romero stated, "Two trains collide and I happen to be the larger train." You know that bigger trains last longer. His side will have a greater impact. This fight will end quickly. "I'm going to knock him out once more."
Who will win Davis vs. Romero in the final? Which prop is a must back? Check out SportsLine to find Brandon Wise's top picks for Saturday. This is the CBS combat sports specialist.
