Gervonta Davis Stripped of WBA Title After Arrest Warrant

HIGHLIGHTS

• A world title has been taken away from one of boxing’s biggest names.
• An arrest warrant has been issued in connection with serious allegations.
• The lightweight division is moving forward without its former champion.

Gervonta Davis was stripped of his WBA lightweight title on Monday following the issuance of an active arrest warrant for domestic-violence allegations.

Is Gervonta Davis’ Career Over?

Not officially, but it doesn’t seem likely that we will see him in the ring anytime soon.

The Miami Gardens Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for Davis on charges of battery, false imprisonment, and attempted kidnapping tied to an alleged October 27 assault of ex-girlfriend Courtney Rossel at Tootsies Cabaret in Florida.

Surveillance footage reportedly supports her account, and police are working with the U.S. Marshals fugitive task force to locate Davis.

Writers and officials describe his future as “uncertain” and “in limbo,” not finished. If he is arrested and convicted, a prison sentence and sponsor backlash could derail his prime years. If the case is resolved and he regains a license, the WBA’s “recess” status technically leaves the door open for a return.

Who Will Be the New WBA Lightweight Champion?

Davis is still a champion in recess for now.

By naming Davis champion in recess, the WBA has vacated the active lightweight title and signaled that it will “keep the line moving in the lightweight division” by ordering a fight for the vacant belt between top contenders. The WBA executive committee is expected to decide soon on a vacant-title matchup at 135 pounds, with rising contenders such as Floyd Schofield Jr. mentioned as candidates.

What Are People Saying About the Latest Gervonta Davis Issues?

On social media, Davis supporters are still hoping for a speedy return, but his critics are using the latest news as ammunition for more attacks.

The civil attorney for Rossel said they had “no idea” where Davis was and expect to serve him with their lawsuit once he is arrested. Many argue that Davis’ inactivity coupled with his pattern of legal troubles, including previous domestic-violence cases and a hit-and-run incident, makes the WBA’s move justified and–in fact–overdue.

Some even suggested that he should not be a champion in recess and should instead be stripped entirely.

While Davis, 31, isn’t retired, his career is definitely in question. He has had more issues outside the ring than fights over the past two years, and a red-hot weight region is seemingly moving on without him. On January 31, Shakur Stevenson will battle Teofimo Lopez. On the same card, Keyshawn Davis faces Jamaine Ortiz. At one point, Davis’ name was being mentioned by every contender and champion from 130 to 140 pounds.

That talk has quieted significantly, and the latest news doesn’t make him more relevant in the sport.