By Minnie Larry
Gervonta “Tank” Davis vs. Ricardo Nunez
July 27, 2019
Royal Farms Arena, Baltimore, Maryland
In front of 14,686 fans, Charm City’s Champion, WBA super featherweight champion, Gervonta “Tank” Davis (22-0, 21KOs), made easy work of mandatory challenger Ricardo Nunez (21-3, 19KOs), with a second round TKO. In round 1, the combatants felt each other out with Nunez looking to cut off the ring to land a lead right. In round 2, that strategy went out of the window when “Tank” landed a wicked right hand sending Nunez to the ropes. While balancing on the ropes, Davis landed several shots almost hurling Nunez outside of the ring. Referee Harvey Dock seeing a defenseless Nunez, stopped the bout. Time was 1:33 of round 2.
Davis’ historic win put Baltimore back on the map, shining a positive light on a city that hasn’t seen the likes of a homegrown title defense, since July 29th, 1940, when Harry Jeffra tore into Spider Armstrong in a 15 rounder. Jeffra clipped the unanimous decision win at the popular outdoor amusement hub, Carlin’s Park in Baltimore.
“Tank” paid homage to the city and supportive community that raised him stating,“these guys from the past really motivate me, much respect to the guys before me and the ones after me,” Davis said. “But right now I’m laying the foundation to make history. It’s the people that I see every day in Baltimore that motivate me.” Tank stated he is interested in fighting IBF Champion Tevin Farmer.
Co-Main
In a bout of future hopes, Yuiorkis Gamboa (30-2, 18KOs) fought Roman “Rocky” Martinez (30-4-3, 18KOS) with the hope of moving on to fighting the winner of Davis/Nuenz. Gamboa although a year from his last flight came into the match in his best boxing shape. He floored Martinez midway through the second round. He would follow-up the onslaught with another devastating blow causing Nuenz not to answer the 10 count. Gamboa hopes to cash in this win for a future match with Davis.
Undercard
Lightweight Ladarius Miller (20-1, 6KOs) won a controversial win over Jezreel Corrales (23-3, 9KOs). Corrales seemed to push the action most of the fight. His awkward style confused the orthodox Miller. The fight would end in controversy when Corrales received a point deduction from a hold which was clearly instigated by Miller. Miller would in the bout by split decision, 95-94, 96-93, Miller and 96-93 Corrales.
Super featherweight Malik Warren (1-0,1KO) put on for his City, in his pro debut, by making quick work of opponent, Davonte McCowen (0-1,0KOs), with a TKO victory, at 2:57 of the 2nd round.
Baltimore’s Malik Hawkins put on a show for his hometown with a unanimous decision win over Johnathan Steele Scores: 78-74, 79-73×2
Super Flyweight Dylan Price (9-0, 6KOs) finishes out 8 rounds of boxing with a unanimous decision win over Samuel Gutierrez (16-24-6, 6KOs). Scores were 78-74, and 79-73×2
Washington DC’s Kareem Martin (13-2-1, 4KOs) walks away with a TKO win over Luis Avila (8-19-3, 5KOs) after referee Harvey Dock stopped the bout.
Kenny Robles (7-1, 3KOs) takes the ‘W’ against Shawn West (3-1,2KOs) in the in the Super Lightweight division. The scores were 59-55, 58-55, and 60-55.
