When it comes to boxing, few names carry as much weight as Floyd Mayweather, and his recent comments about Gervonta 'Tank' Davis and Shakur Stevenson have sparked a fiery debate in the boxing world. But here's where it gets controversial... While both fighters have been chasing Mayweather's legacy, the boxing legend has now weighed in on who he thinks stands out—and his answer might surprise you.
For years, Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson have been climbing the ranks, aiming to replicate the dominance Mayweather once held. Mayweather, a former 135-pound world champion, set the bar high, and both Davis and Stevenson are now arguably in the same league. Davis currently reigns as the WBA champion, while Stevenson holds the WBC belt, making them two of the most formidable names in the division.
And this is the part most people miss... Both fighters are also multiple-weight world champions, just like Mayweather. Davis has claimed gold at super-featherweight and super-lightweight, while Stevenson started his reign at featherweight before moving up to super-featherweight. Stevenson is now setting his sights on another division, challenging WBO super-lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez later this month. Meanwhile, Davis’s future remains uncertain as he looks to rebound from a challenging 2025, which included a draw with Lamont Roach and the cancellation of an exhibition fight with Jake Paul due to domestic allegations.
The boxing world has long speculated about a potential showdown between Davis and Stevenson, but it’s never materialized. Now, Mayweather has finally shared his thoughts on the two fighters—and his take is both insightful and divisive. According to Mayweather, 'As of right now, the biggest puncher at 135 is Gervonta, but the most skillful fighter at 135 would be, hands down, Shakur Stevenson.'
Mayweather went on to explain, 'It’s really all about skills. Pernell Whitaker wasn’t a huge puncher, but he was very exciting, very tough, and he fought everybody. Shakur is trying to do the same thing.' This comparison to Whitaker, a legend known for his technical prowess, highlights Mayweather’s belief in Stevenson’s ability to outmaneuver opponents rather than relying solely on power.
Here’s the bold question: Does Mayweather’s endorsement of Stevenson’s skill over Davis’s power reveal a bias, or is it a fair assessment? Mayweather, who once mentored Davis before their highly publicized falling out, might be seen as downplaying his former protégé’s abilities. Or, is he simply acknowledging the unique strengths of both fighters? This subtle controversy invites fans to weigh in—is Mayweather’s opinion shaped by personal history, or is it a neutral evaluation of their styles?
As the debate heats up, one thing is clear: the boxing world is eagerly watching Davis and Stevenson’s next moves. Will they eventually face off in the ring, or will their paths continue to diverge? And more importantly, who do you think would come out on top? Let the discussion begin!
