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ATLANTA – Leonard Ellerbe accepts that most of Gervonta Davis’ doubters will never be satisfied with what he does in a boxing ring.
The CEO for Mayweather Promotions still couldn’t help but remind them during an open workout Wednesday night at the College Football Hall of Fame that the undefeated Davis will attempt something highly unusual Saturday night. The significantly shorter southpaw will move up two weight classes – from the junior lightweight limit of 130 pounds to the junior welterweight maximum of 140 pounds – to challenge another undefeated fighter, Mario Barrios, for his WBA world super lightweight title at State Farm Arena.
Most handicappers have established Davis (24-0, 23 KOs) as a 5-1 favorite to beat Barrios (26-0, 17 KOs), but Ellerbe emphasized the size disadvantage Davis will encounter in their Showtime Pay-Per-View main event (9 p.m. EDT; $74.99). San Antonio’s Barrios stands almost five inches taller than the 5-feet-6 Davis and has competed within the 140-pound division the past four years.
“It’s a very, very dangerous fight for Tank,” Ellerbe said. “And he’s moving up two weight classes. That’s unheard of. You know, when you look around the entire sport, you name me one 130-pounder that could actually do what Tank is doing come this Saturday night. And whose promoter would allow him to do that? Again, Mario Barrios, gotta give him all the credit. He’s a very tough Mexican warrior and he’s gonna bring it come Saturday night.”
The 26-year-old Davis has knocked out 96 percent of his opponents on his way to winning world titles in the junior lightweight and lightweight divisions since he turned pro in February 2013.
Davis is favored over Barrios because, despite their size difference, he is one of boxing’s most dangerous knockout artists and Barrios has obvious defensive deficiencies. Barrios also is a secondary titleholder whose championship victory over Uzbekistan’s Batyr Akhmedov (8-1, 7 KOs) – a 12-round, unanimous-decision win in September 2019 – is considered controversial.
Ellerbe still sees danger in Davis’ bigger opponent.
“He has a tough, tough opponent that he’s facing this Saturday night in Mario Barrios,” Ellerbe said. “Can’t say enough about the young man. Tremendous fighter. He does everything well. Excellent puncher, great speed and he’s led by none other than a very good friend of mine, Virgil Hunter, a no-nonsense guy. He guided Andre Ward his entire career. And we know what kind of career Andre Ward has had.
“And again, we know Virgil Hunter is gonna have him prepared. And again, the whole goal is that, you know, myself, Floyd, Al [Haymon], we have major, major, major plans for Tank Davis. Will Barrios f*** up our plans this Saturday night? Tune in to Showtime Pay-Per-View this Saturday.”
Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.