Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson are arguably the two best fighters in the smaller weight classes. However, the one legitimate criticism that can be thrown in both fighters’ direction is their lack of quality wins.
To be fair, Stevenson is always actively chasing challenging fights—including one with Davis. On the other hand, Davis, the fighter with the larger following, appears to be the more elusive and difficult opponent to secure a fight against.
Former IBF and WBO lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr. and his dad/manager, Jim Kambosos, aren’t differentiating.In a recent video, the Kambosos took a shot at both men with the eldest calling them the “Houdinis of Boxing,” for what he has referred to as disappearing acts.
George seconded the comment and elaborated, “I’d rather take 15 losses in a row while I’m fighting the best of the best—the true champions, the true Hall of Famers, the pound-for-pounders. Since 2019, I’ve only fought former world champions, world champions, undisputed world champions, all in a row.”
To be fair and accurate, over Davis’ career, he has fought five current or former world champions: Lamont Roach Jr., Jose Pedraza, Leo Santa Cruz, Yuriorkis Gamboa, and Mario Barrios. Kambosos has fought four different opponents over five fights: Devin Haney (twice), Vasyl Lomachenko, Teofimo Lopez, and Lee Selby.
However, you can make a strong argument that Kambosos still has the edge in strength of schedule. On the flip side, some of the fighters Kambosos refers to aren’t considered legitimate world champions.
For example, his next opponent, Daud Yordan, has been the IBO champion, which is not recognized as a legitimate world title in the four-belt era. In that instance, he’s giving himself credit for having fought or being scheduled to fight champions or former world champions in every fight for the past six years.
That’s not entirely accurate.
Stevenson has fought three current or former world champions: Robson Conceição, Oscar Valdez, and Jamel Herring. That’s easily the weakest set of champions or former champs compared to Kambosos and Davis. However, as I mentioned, I don’t fault Stevenson for that fact.
He may be the most avoided fighter in the sport, and as we know, it takes two to tango. An important thing to note here is that—like it or not—it all comes down to charisma, winning, and fighting big names. If a fighter has all three qualities in their proverbial toolbox, they have everything required to be a global star.
Davis is the only fighter of the three who checks all three boxes.
Kambosos is a compelling guy with a crowd-pleasing style who seemingly fears no opponent, but his record against the best fighters is 2-3.
Davis is 4-0-1, and Stevenson is 3-0. Stevenson has had a hard time getting the casual fan to appreciate what he brings to the ring, but no one who understands the sport questions his skill. He might be the most skilled fighter in the sport.
I was at Davis’ fight against Roach on March 1 in Brooklyn, and the energy in the arena was undeniable. Tank brings people out, and there is a feeling in the air when a legit superstar is fighting. That aura is present for a Davis fight.
With Kambosos having moved up to 140, he may never get an opportunity to tangle with Davis, but it’s easy to imagine a world where he faces Stevenson. At that point, we’ll see if he can wrangle Houdini.
