Davis vs. Martin: The sparring session that sparked a rivalry that will be settled this weekend

Gervonta Davis and Frank Martin nearly got physical at this week’s press conference ahead of their lightweight world title fight.

Brendan Bradford

@1bbradfo

3 min read

June 14, 2024 - 6:00PM

Fourteen months after his stunning win over Ryan Garcia, Gervonta Davis is back in the ring this weekend. Picture: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

It’s a rivalry that stems back to a heated sparring session at Floyd Mayweather’s gym and it nearly spilled over during their pre-fight press conference this week.

Just days ahead of their lightweight world title fight, wild threats, slurs and arguments flew back and forth between Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Frank “The Ghost” Martin.

And after months – if not years – of enmity, they’ll finally settle the score at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and on Main Event pay-per-view this weekend.

Watch the WBA lightweight world title showdown between Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and Frank ‘The Ghost’ Martin here at Main Event and Kayo Sports here

Their beef originated in a sparring session years ago when Martin claimed he hurt the two-weight world champion.

“He came in, thinking it was sweet, he got clipped and he grabbed – his legs shook,” Martin said on Thursday.

Davis erupted at those claims.

“You never clipped me, you caught me with a good shot, and that happens in boxing,” he fired back. “You never clipped me, I never shook. None of that.

“You don’t even hit that hard, bro. I’m gonna break you up.

“Every time I tell y’all something, it happens, and I’m gonna break you up.”

Gervonta Davis made Frank Martin flinch and square up ðŸ¤£ pic.twitter.com/961Xt8rPV1
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) June 12, 2024

Davis then leapt out of his chair to continue his tirade at the laidback Martin, before getting back on the microphone.

“He’s always about that fake hard stuff,” Davis said. “Take that sponsored jewellery off, that’s not yours.

“It’s that fake tough act. You’re from the suburbs, come on, bro.”

Martin hit back with similar claims, but – for better or worse – Davis is as real as it gets.

Frank Martin is ready to shock the world. Picture: PBC Boxing/Esther Lin

He’s one of the biggest names in boxing right now, but, unlike the flashy celebrity of Ryan Garcia, or the easy polish of Canelo Alvarez, “Tank” is a throwback.

More Mike Tyson than Tyson Fury.

A 14 month lay-off since his seventh round stoppage of Garcia last year included a 44-day prison stint after he violated the terms of his house arrest for a 2020 car crash that injured four people.

His longtime trainer, Calvin Ford, is a former Baltimore gang member who spent 10 years in prison, where he learned how to box.

Ford eventually turned his life around and became the inspiration for the character Dennis “Cutty” Wise in the hit TV show The Wire.

Davis (L) works out under the watchful eye of trainer Calvin Ford (R). Picture: Candice Ward/Getty Images

Ford had plenty to say at this week’s heated press conference too, but his fighter kept it short when asked for a prediction on how his WBA lightweight world title fight would go down.

“Ass whopping,” Davis said, simply. “An ass whopping.”

Martin isn’t as battle tested at Davis. With 12 knockouts in his 18 wins, he is stepping up to the biggest stage of his career this weekend.

Still, in the face of Davis’ wild antics on stage, he remained cool, calm and collected.

“If he comes in and acts up, you’re gonna see Gervonta Davis get knocked out,” he said. “They say I ain’t got power, but if he comes in acting crazy, he’s going to sleep.”