💥 Mayweather’s Take: Power vs. Skill
In a recent interview on the Come And Talk 2 Me podcast, Mayweather declared:
> “The biggest puncher at 135 will probably be Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis. But the more skillful fighter at 135 will be hands down Shakur Stevenson.”
He elaborated that while Davis delivers explosive knockouts—28 KOs in 31 fights—Stevenson is the cleaner, more polished technician. Mayweather even drew a parallel between Stevenson and legendary defensive maestro Pernell Whitaker, highlighting that great ring IQ and patrolling skills can outweigh mere punching power .
Mayweather also hinted at a future partnership: with Watch Stevenson’s contract nearing its end, he could receive mentorship—and promotion—from “Money” himself .
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What Each Fighter Brings to the Table
Gervonta “Tank” Davis
Record: 30‑0‑1 with 28 knockouts—a ludicrous 93% KO rate .
Style: Raw power burner; always hunting for the finish.
Next Move: Rematch with Lamont Roach on August 16—a tune-up to reassert dominance .
Shakur Stevenson
Record: 23‑0 with 11 knockouts—a more modest 48% KO rate .
Style: Elite-level defense, slick combos, sharp footwork—earning comparisons to Mayweather himself .
Next Move: Versus William Zepeda (33‑0, 27 KOs) on July 12—a pivotal fight to prove his power against a puncher .
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The Boxing World Reacts
Mayweather’s verdict has sparked thrilling chatter:
RingSide24 (July 14): Mayweather said Stevenson is “the most complete boxer right now,” emphasizing his technical superiority and resilience .
SecondsOut.com: Noted Stevenson’s stellar defense and Mayweather’s potential to guide him into becoming “a much bigger star with strategic fights” .
Reddit insights (r/boxing): Fans lauded the clarity of Mayweather’s call:
> “Shakur is way more buttoned up than Tank. Does everything perfect… as far as boxing fundamentals … Shakur does everything perfect.”
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The Bigger Picture: What’s at Stake
Style vs. Substance
Davis provides fireworks, knockouts, and excitement—but questions linger about his ability to adapt and match high-ring IQ opponents.
Stevenson, meanwhile, brings a cerebral, classical boxing approach that frustrates opponents and punishes mistakes—but might lack the raw fan-pleasing power to draw casual viewers .
Mega‑Fight Potential
Fans have long clamored for a Davis–Stevenson unification bout:
Eddie Hearn (Stevenson’s promoter): “It’s up to ‘Tank’ and Al Haymon to decide” if he’s willing to face Stevenson .
Shakur Stevenson himself has been pushing for the matchup relentlessly, framing it as a showdown of “hit‑and‑don’t‑get‑hit” versus “power and risk” .
Davis hasn’t officially agreed but remains open—especially if fans are asking and money is right .
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Mayweather’s Verdict: The Bottom Line
Floyd’s assessment can be summed up in clear terms:
Power King: Davis is the most devastating puncher in the division—period.
Master Technician: Stevenson is the more refined, complete boxer—the one who makes the ring feel too small for his opponent.
This Echoes Floyd’s own 50‑0 career, built on immaculate defense and elite ring IQ.
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What Comes Next
For Stevenson: His July 12 clash with Zepeda is more than just a defense—it’s a statement fight. Beating a puncher with serious power could validate Mayweather’s praise .
For Davis: The rematch with Roach on August 16 is a chance to remind everyone why he’s “Tank.” Then the unification drama resumes .
The Holy Grail: If both win, the stage is set for Stevenson vs. Davis—the clash Mayweather’s verdict has only intensified.
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Why It Matters
This isn’t just about boxing fans debating sports—this is a litmus test of what modern boxing should prize: spectacle or skill. Mayweather’s words lend gravitas. His view reflects his own blueprint: technique over punch. A Davis–Stevenson bout could become the defining fight of the lightweight era—and Mayweather’s verdict makes it all the more electric.
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In summary: Mayweather sees Davis as the raw power puncher and Stevenson as the boxing maestro. That divergence defines not only their styles—but the future of lightweight boxing. Depending on who wins their next outings, we could soon witness a defining moment in the sport—where power meets polish in the ring.
