Gervonta 'Tank' Davis Gifted 250K 'Gumbo' Chain After Fight Getting Into Cannabis Biz
-
Exclusive
- 317 shares
Gervonta "Tank" Davis is winning in life ... the 29-0 fighter was gifted a $250K "Gumbo" chain minutes after knocking out Ryan Garcia, all to commemorate a new strain of weed named after the boxing superstar.
TMZ Sports has learned Davis recently signed a deal with cannabis company Gumbo Brands, who are releasing a strain called "Ape S***."
In the video, you see Tank smiling ear-to-ear as owners Alexis Majors and Karim "Luca" Butler put the expensive piece of bling -- a pendant and diamond tennis chain from Pristine Jewelers -- around his neck.
We're told former NBA star Stephen Jackson, who met with the champ in the locker room after the fight, helped facilitate the partnership between Davis and Gumbo.
Of course, Davis was already a hot commodity heading into the fight ... and even more so now that he's ended Garcia's undefeated streak, eliminating any doubt he's the king in their division.
The face of boxing @Gervontaa stops Garcia in round 7 with a VICIOUS body shot 😱 #DavisGarcia pic.twitter.com/8MRrWvBOOQ
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) April 23, 2023 @ShowtimeBoxing
As we reported ... Tank opted to keep things relatively low-key following arguably the biggest win of his career, celebrating the victory with some friends at Ghostbar in Vegas.
Tank has been receiving a ton of praise for the KO, and rightfully so ... but the 28-year-old isn't resting on his laurels, and continues to show why his name deserves to be mentioned alongside boxing's greats.
related articles
Shane McMahon Gym Sesh With Derrick Henry ... After Tearing Quad At WrestleMania
4/24/23
Shane McMahon is back in the gym just weeks after tearing his quad at WrestleMania 39 ... and the WWE talent was in great company -- 'cause he was sweatin' it out with All-Pro Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry!!
Shane -- donning a large brace on his left leg -- posted video of his workout on Tuesday ... showing him going through a series of exercises as he attacks his rehab.
The two were accompanied by famous athletic trainer Melvin Sanders -- who works with all the biggest names in the NFL -- as well as Luke Miller, who is Dak Prescott and Zeke Elliott's physical therapist.
Snoop Dogg Pins The Miz At WrestleMania
Remember, Shane-O-Mac -- who hadn't appeared on WWE programming since the 2022 Royal Rumble -- came out during a segment featuring The Miz and Snoop Dogg at WrestleMania at SoFi Stadium.
Snoop set up an impromptu match between Shane and The Miz ... but it was called off after McMahon tore his quadriceps.
53-year-old McMahon suffered the injury after his knee buckled following a leapfrog -- but thankfully, WWE's medical team was able to intervene swiftly.
Snoop Dogg ended up saving the day -- he fought Miz in place of Shane ... and defeated the former WWE champion using The Rock's signature "People's Elbow" finisher.
EXCLUSIVE BACKSTAGE FOOTAGE OF SHANE MCMAHON INJURY! #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/UzTmobBX7q
— Deadpaw (@xDeadpaw) April 3, 2023 @xDeadpaw
Shane has a reputation for his death-defying stunts over his career -- and has always prided himself on staying in shape in case the moment arises to entertain WWE fans.
Keep pushing, Shane!!
related articles
Crazy Town Shifty & Bobby Trade Blows ... After Myrtle Beach Show
-
Exclusive
- 2.3K shares
12:48 PM PT -- Bobby Reeves is showing off his black eye with an up-close-and-personal look filmed from his phone -- and yeah, the injury in full view proves he took quite the beating.
The singer hopped on Instagram to explain, saying he and Shifty Shellshock got into a scuffle ... but noting everything was all good now and that he loved the guy. His right eye is clearly bruised and swollen, and he's rocking sunglasses. All's well that ends well -- or so it seems.
The Crazy Town boys are living up to their band name -- 2 of the members got into a good old-fashioned fistfight after a show this weekend ... and it was ugly.
TMZ has obtained video of the throwdown that unfolded Sunday in Myrtle Beach, SC -- where CT was performing ... only to have their lead singer, Shifty Shellshock, not show up 'til the very end. Co-vocalist Bobby Reeves had to fill in ... making for a very rocky show.
There's video circulating of Reeves attempting to handle frontman duties -- at times, forgetting lyrics to songs -- while publicly expressing his frustration with Shifty for bailing.
Eventually, Shifty did show up and another clip that's made the rounds shows him and Reeves in a heated argument by an SUV -- with BR rocking a fresh black eye. Now, we know how he got that shiner ... they were trading haymakers after the Myrtle Beach gig.
In our video, you can see Shifty wailing on Bobby ... and they're arguing about money SS believes Bobby stole. Bobby denies that, and goes on to make some pretty vile threats against Shifty's family members ... including his kids.
Eventually, Bobby sneaks in a sucker punch and they go at it again -- only to finally be pulled apart by others. Sources close to the band tell TMZ this brouhaha went down as soon as they got off stage, but in the aftermath, they've supposedly settled things.
We're told it was a "fight between brothers." Unfortunately, this is just the latest mishap in Crazy Town -- one night prior, Shifty got into it with a sound guy during a show in North Carolina. FWIW, the guy's publicly battled addiction for years.
We'll see how long the band peace treaty lasts.
Originally Published -- 10:37 AM PT
related articles
Nate Diaz Claims Self-Defense Was 'Aggressively Pursued' Before Choke Out
4/22/23
10:05 AM PT -- 4/25 -- Nate Diaz's camp has broken their silence on the altercation that resulted in a battery charge ... claiming the UFC star was simply protecting himself.
“Nate’s attorney Walter Becker can confirm that Nate has received word of the arrest warrant and Becker has been in contact with court authorities in New Orleans," Diaz's rep Zach Rosenfield said in a statement to TMZ Sports.
"Nate’s attorney looks forward to presenting all of the facts about this incident to the District Attorney which clearly demonstrates that a trained fighter named Rodney Petersen aggressively pursued Nate with the intention of engaging him and once doing so, Nate acted entirely in self-defense."
"No further comment will be made at this time.”
7:35 AM PT -- Another angle of the Diaz incident has surfaced ... showing a more complete picture of the mayhem. People close to Nate are adamant he was defending himself against a bigger guy who was looking for trouble, and nothing more.
Nate Diaz is now a wanted man in Louisiana ... cops said Monday afternoon they've issued an arrest warrant for the former UFC star -- after he was seen on camera choking out a man on Bourbon Street.
The incident happened late Saturday night after Diaz had attended the Misfits Boxing 6 event in New Orleans.
Nate Diaz Chokes Out Man on Street into Unconsciousness
In footage of the altercation, you can see Diaz got a man in a headlock during what appeared to be a large dispute -- and he didn't let the guy go until he was unconscious.
The man later took to social media to say he suffered a gnarly head wound during the incident.
According to MMA Fighting, authorities said they reviewed the footage, and an arrest warrant for Diaz for second-degree battery was ultimately issued.
Diaz is not currently in custody.
The 38-year-old fighter has yet to publicly comment on the situation ... but sources close to the fighter tell TMZ Sports he did not believe the man he choked out was acting as a peacemaker -- saying there was a larger fight happening in the area and the guy was part of that group. They're adamant Diaz was simply defending himself.
The whole Nate Diaz, Chase deMoor water bottle incident 💦 @MF_DAZNXSeries | @SauerlandBros | @MamsTaylor | @PrimeHydrate | @Stake pic.twitter.com/Lx8MvRyhRv
— Misfits Boxing (@MisfitsBoxing) April 22, 2023 @MisfitsBoxing
Diaz, who's slated to box Jake Paul later this summer, had been in a separate altercation earlier in the night -- when he threw a water bottle at reality star Chase DeMoor while ringside at the boxing event.
Originally Published -- 4/24 3:40 PM PT
related articles
Shakur Stevenson Fight W/ Tank Is Like Prime MJ vs. LeBron Biggest Matchup In Boxing!
-
Exclusive
- 1.4K shares
Shakur Stevenson says Ryan Garcia wasn't on "Tank" Davis' level Saturday night ... but he knows someone who is -- Shakur himself!
The 25-year-old undefeated boxer, one of the most talented fighters in the world, joined Babcock on the TMZ Sports TV show (airs weekdays on FS1) where he broke down this weekend's megafight ... and previewed a potential scrap with Gervonta.
"I felt Tank looked sharp. He was real sharp. He boxed real good. I think Ryan was preschool. Ryan wasn't on that top level," the 20-0 fighter said.
"I ain't think Ryan was that good. I ain't taking no credit away from Tank. Tank did what he was supposed to do but Ryan wasn't that."
.@Gervontaa DROPS Ryan in Round 2 😱 #DavisGarcia pic.twitter.com/8Pj5Czovqs
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) April 23, 2023 @ShowtimeBoxing
Where'd Garcia go wrong?
Shakur explained it like this ... "He ain't know his distance. He was looking for one left hook the whole entire fight. He threw a left hook three times in a row and got clipped. Anybody knows that when you're fighting Tank, you can't do something three times in a row because his brain is like a computer. He picks up on it."
Of course, Davis beat Garcia by 7th-round knockout ... delivering a crushing liver shot to Ryan's body, ending a fight years in the making.
The face of boxing @Gervontaa stops Garcia in round 7 with a VICIOUS body shot 😱 #DavisGarcia pic.twitter.com/8MRrWvBOOQ
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) April 23, 2023 @ShowtimeBoxing
We also talked to Shakur about the KO, and people criticizing Garcia for not getting up before the 10-count (Stevenson says the critique isn't fair).
After the fight, the chatter started ... the real fight to make, and the guy who poses a true threat to Tank, is Stevenson, who is coming off a TKO win in April.
The good news is Shakur says he really wants the fight ... and soon.
"I would love that fight. I think that's the biggest and best fight in the sport of boxing."
Stevenson believes Tank, like him, is an all-time fighter ... and he used a sports analogy to put the matchup into perspective.
"You got like a Michael Jordan that came around in his era. Then you got a LeBron that came around in his era but they wasn't in the same era so we never got to see them go against each other."
Stevenson summed up the future Stevenson vs. Garcia fight like this.
"With me and Tank, you got two special fighters that been special our whole careers and our whole lives. When it comes down to it, it's going to be the biggest and best fight in boxing."
"I can't wait. I feel like I'm a bad motherf****r when it comes to this boxing stuff. The people who really know boxing going to tell you that's the big fight and I agree with them. I think that that's the biggest fight."
related articles
Conor McGregor I Thought My Career Was Over ... After Leg Break At UFC 264
-
Breaking News
- 3.8K shares
Conor McGregor feared it was curtains for his UFC career after breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier nearly two years ago ... admitting he thought the injury would force him into an early retirement.
McGregor made the revelation in the trailer for his new Netflix documentary, "McGregor Forever," which dropped this week ... where he spoke about the severity of his injury from the hospital bed shortly after the July 2021 bout.
You heard it here first. My brand new documentary series McGregor Forever, is coming to @Netflix on May 17! The only place to hear my true story, which is only getting started! pic.twitter.com/BXzlY5WJnG
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 25, 2023 @TheNotoriousMMA
When the interviewer points out many experts thought the break would be impossible to return from, McGregor agreed ... which he says explains his bizarre post-fight rant.
"I thought it was over as well, that’s why I flipped into a different mode," 34-year-old McGregor told the cameras.
"Now, it was the adrenaline as well and I know it would’ve calmed down and part of me is thinking 'Jesus, imagine it was just taken from me like that.'"
"I would be a different person and it was a bit scary, to be honest. But, it’s McGregor forever. That’s it. It’s done. It’s McGregor forever and don’t you forget it."
After a grueling recovery, Conor will make his Octagon return when he faces off against Michael Chandler ... but a date has not yet been set.
related articles
Bad Bunny Attacks Damian Priest On WWE Raw ... Sets Table For Street Fight At Backlash
Three weeks after getting chokeslammed through a table by Damian Priest, Bad Bunny got his revenge on the WWE superstar ... cracking him over and over with a kendo stick live on Monday Night Raw!!!
The scene at Allstate Arena in Chicago was wild ... Bad Bunny showed up out of nowhere after Priest was DQ'ed from his fight with Rey Mysterio -- and then went into full-on attack mode.
The "Tití Me Preguntó" singer beat the hell out Priest with the wooden weapon -- hitting him right in the ribs and the back ... before he chased him out of the ring.
The attack, though, didn't stop there -- Bad Bunny got in a few more swings ... before Priest hightailed it out of the area.
Eventually, the rapper grabbed a microphone ... and challenged the wrestler to a street fight at WWE Backlash -- a Pay-Per-View event set to go down on May 6 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
"Damian, I don't know if you know," Bunny said, "but I'm not hosting Backlash anymore. Now, I'm going to Puerto Rico to kick your ass. May 6. Backlash. In mi casa, Puerto Rico. Damian Priest. Bad Bunny. In a street fight."
WHAT DID WE JUST WITNESS?!@sanbenito just got chokeslammed through the #WWERaw announce table on #RawAfterMania! 😲😲😲 pic.twitter.com/ala7TYu36c
— WWE (@WWE) April 4, 2023 @WWE
Seems Priest accepted ... and now the two will finally look to settle some beef that's been stewing ever since the WWE talent chokeslammed Bad Bunny through a table on Raw earlier this month.
Of course, things weren't always contentious between Bunny and Priest. In 2021, they actually teamed together at WrestleMania 37 to defeat The Miz and John Morrison, and Bunny had one of the highlights of the match when he hit the Canadian Destroyer on Morrison.
related articles
Rae Sremmurd's Swae Lee Massive Coachella Brawl Backstage In Presence of Infant Son!!!
-
Exclusive
- 1.3K shares
Rae Sremmurd's Swae Lee's gotta be feeling pretty lucky ... an all-out royal rumble went down with security ahead of his Coachella performance, but he and his baby managed to dodge the blows.
TMZ Hip Hop obtained footage of Swae and his entourage attempting to enter the festival grounds at a security checkpoint behind the stage ... but their path was slowed by several security workers, and that's when things got physical.
You can see Swae actually get knocked back against some fencing as all hell breaks loose ... security guards swarm in like piranhas, pummeling another man in Swae's camp. All the while, one of Swae's guards makes sure his baby -- in a big car seat -- is safe.
Management for Swae tells us ... “As Swae Lee attempted to enter the festival with his newborn son and working crew, overzealous security guards confronted them. As 1/2 of Rae Sremmurd, he was due to perform on Coachella’s Outdoor Theatre stage at 5:55 PM. Security claimed not to recognize the talent and then aggressively initiated contact as they attempted to make their way to the stage."
They continue, "The security guards, which we presume are independent contractors, are seen clearly being the aggressors and then throwing gang signs at end of the video in a celebration."
Swae's team says his own security did a bang-up job protecting him, and more importantly, his baby boy. When the dust settled, Swae and his bro Slim Jxmmi got onstage as scheduled to rock the crowd.
The brothers Sremm just released their "Sremm 4 Life" album and fans will have plenty of time to see them live this year ... just without the WWE-style entrances, most likely.
related articles
WWE Legend Lita WrestleMania 39 Was 'Surreal' ... Thanks To Trish, Becky!!!
-
Exclusive
- 1.7K shares
WWE legend Lita is still floating on cloud nine after teaming up with Trish Stratus and Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 39 ... telling TMZ Sports she ranks the "surreal" moment at the top of her career!!
"With age comes perspective," Lita told us. "I just feel like I could really be in the moment and soak it in and be appreciative to be there. And to have done it when I wasn't looking for it, it was able to give me this really in-the-moment sense of appreciation."
Lita -- whose real name is Amy Dumas -- admitted she felt like a fan when she walked down the stage with Trish, her best friend, and Lynch, AKA "The Man," to take on Bayley, Dakota Kai, and Iyo Sky.
The 48-year-old former women's champion -- who broke barriers as a singles competitor and with the revolutionary Hardy Boyz (Matt and Jeff) tag team -- loves that the WWE is bridging the gap between her era and the upcoming women's superstars.
"To be invited back in to come to play with these phenomenal athletes with just as much passion pushing things forward to heights that I did not know were possible," Lita said, "we're running out of boxes to check."
In 2004, Lita and Trish fought for the women's championship on Monday Night Raw, marking the first time in WWE history a women's match headlined a WWE show. It ultimately paved the way for Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Ronda Rousey to main event WrestleMania.
Now that WrestleMania is over and Dumas has lost her Raw women's tag team championship (she wasn't involved in the match), her focus is on Season 2 of "WWE's Most Wanted Treasures" on A&E alongside Booker T, and Mick Foley.
related articles
Gervonta 'Tank' Davis Low-Key Vegas Celebration After Ryan Garcia KO
Gervonta "Tank" Davis had the city of Las Vegas and the boxing world in the palm of his hand after knocking out Ryan Garcia, but he actually kept things pretty low-key in celebrating his big win.
Davis and some friends hit Ghostbar on the roof of Palms Las Vegas late night Saturday after his fight. Davis -- in a white hoodie and sunglasses -- kept a low profile, sipping on a drink and chatting with some of his friends.
As for who else was in attendance, we're told some of Tank's famous friends like Chief Keef, Lil Reese, Flo Rida and Polo G were all there to celebrate.
The face of boxing @Gervontaa stops Garcia in round 7 with a VICIOUS body shot 😱 #DavisGarcia pic.twitter.com/8MRrWvBOOQ
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) April 23, 2023 @ShowtimeBoxing
As we reported ... Tank knocked Garcia out with a body shot in the 7th round of their fight. Garcia didn't go down immediately, but took a few steps back at first before taking a knee and staying down for the 10-count.
The biggest show in boxing makes his way to the ring 😈@Gervontaa | #DavisGarcia STARTS NOW!
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) April 23, 2023 @ShowtimeBoxing
Order: https://t.co/mIiYdmufbG
🎵 @ChiefKeef pic.twitter.com/oAzpvMYGIT
Both Tank and Garcia hyped up the fight for years, and there was a ton of buzz around the whole weekend. Celebs in attendance included Mark Wahlberg, Nelly and Ashanti.
Nothing like fighting one of the best! Hopefully one day we can run it back! 🔥👑 pic.twitter.com/oMEGoTifWk
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) April 23, 2023 @RyanGarcia
You'd think Tank would've gone all out to party after all the work he put in, but one thing's clear ... he's all business.
related articles
Gervonta 'Tank' Davis KO's Ryan Garcia In 7th Round ... With Body Shot
-
Breaking News
- 3.2K shares
Gervonta Davis called his shot ... he said he was going to knockout the previously undefeated Ryan Garcia in the 7th round of their megafight, and that's exactly what Tank did, dropping King Ryan with a perfectly placed body shot.
The liver shot didn't appear overly hard -- Tank was a bit out of position when he threw the punch -- but seemingly caught Ryan on the liver. After a few second delay, Ryan dropped to a knee, and winced in pain, as referee Thomas Taylor began to count.
Garcia remained on one knee for the entire 10-count ... and just like that, the fight, 5 years in the making, was over.
The face of boxing @Gervontaa stops Garcia in round 7 with a VICIOUS body shot 😱 #DavisGarcia pic.twitter.com/8MRrWvBOOQ
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) April 23, 2023 @ShowtimeBoxing
24-year-old Garcia got off to a nice start ... winning the first round.
However, the fight turned in the second when 28-year-old Tank, ducking under a left, caught Garcia with a beautiful left hook/uppercut that dropped Ryan, sending him to the canvas. He returned to his feet quickly.
From that moment on, save for a few flashes, Tank was in control of the fight.
.@Gervontaa DROPS Ryan in Round 2 😱 #DavisGarcia pic.twitter.com/8Pj5Czovqs
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) April 23, 2023 @ShowtimeBoxing
Earlier in the week, Davis said he was going to stop Garcia in the 7th and that's what he did.
After the fight was over, Tank and Ryan embraced in the ring and squashed any beef they might've had, shaking hands ... after years of going back and forth with trash talk.
In what was the biggest fight of the year, the celebs were out in full force ... with everyone from Mark Wahlberg to Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson watching from their ringside seats.
The biggest show in boxing makes his way to the ring 😈@Gervontaa | #DavisGarcia STARTS NOW!
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) April 23, 2023 @ShowtimeBoxing
Order: https://t.co/mIiYdmufbG
🎵 @ChiefKeef pic.twitter.com/oAzpvMYGIT
Chief Keef even walked Gervonta to the ring, performing as Davis made his way to the squared circle.
Last week, Oscar De La Hoya, Ryan's promoter, told us the winner of the fight was set to become the face of boxing.
That title now belongs to the still-undefeated Gervonta "Tank" Davis!
related articles
MMA's Sage Northcutt Plans To Fight Regularly ... Returning w/ ONE FC
-
Exclusive
- 14 shares
Sage Northcutt is about to fight for the first time in 4 years, and the MMA star says it won't be a one-time deal -- he's back, and it's for good.
"I'm planning on being back. I have this fight set for May 5th, I got my eyes zoned in on this fight. But after this fight I'd like to be super active for ONE Championship. You know I like having fights and trying to put on a show."
27-year-old Northcutt will return to the cage early next month against Ahmen Mujtaba ... Sage's first fight since he lost to Cosmo Alexandre in May 2019. In the loss, SN's face was broken in 8 places, requiring nearly 10 hours of surgery.
Many fans doubted Sage, who is 11-3 as a pro, would ever fight again. But, he says he actually was supposed to return long ago, but COVID had other plans.
"As the 4 years went by, it's been longer than what I expected. I was planning on coming back, I actually had a fight set to come back a couple years after, just about 2 years ago I had a fight set to come back," Northcutt told us.
"You know how the world's been with COVID, shutting things down. I caught COVID as I had a fight scheduled, literally, a week before flying overseas, I caught COVID. That was unfortunate timing. But coming back, it's about time."
Come May 5, Sage believes he'll open the eyes of many MMA fans.
"For ONE Championship, I haven't really had the chance to show all the hard work that I've been putting in," Northcutt says, adding, "I've been training very hard. Training with a great team, great coaches, great fighters, so I'm looking forward to displaying stuff that I've been putting a lot of hard work into."
We also asked Sage what advice he'd offer Raul Rosas Jr. ... the 18-year-old who became the youngest fighter to sign with the promotion. Rosas Jr. recently lost his first fight. We asked Northcutt, who fought as a 19-year-old, what advice he'd offer the young man.
As for his upcoming fight ... it's less than 2 weeks away, and he's ready to roll.
"Physically, all good. Strong. Training. Gonna be excited. Colorado, gonna be fun!"
related articles
Nate Diaz CHOKES MAN ON STREET INTO UNCONSCIOUSNESS
4/22/23
Nate Diaz had a trouble-filled night Friday ... he first chucked a water bottle at reality star Chase DeMoor and then choked a young man into unconsciousness in separate confrontations.
The UFC legend kicked off his wild night by attending the Misfits Boxing 6 event in New Orleans to watch Chris Avila beat Paul Bamba in the main event.
While Diaz was enjoying the bout in the front row, he got into a heated argument with DeMoor, who was seated behind him. Video shows DeMoor heckling Diaz and calling him a "p****." Diaz then pitched the water bottle at DeMoor, and the two would have come to blows if onlookers hadn't stepped between them.
The whole Nate Diaz, Chase deMoor water bottle incident 💦 @MF_DAZNXSeries | @SauerlandBros | @MamsTaylor | @PrimeHydrate | @Stake pic.twitter.com/Lx8MvRyhRv
— Misfits Boxing (@MisfitsBoxing) April 22, 2023 @MisfitsBoxing
Hours later, Diaz was filmed getting into a physical altercation with a young man on the sidewalk outside the venue. Nate put the guy in a choke hold until his body went limp and he fell to the ground unconscious. Diaz then casually walked away.
The extent of the man's injuries was unknown, nor was it clear if he was taken to a hospital. It’s also unclear if police got involved.
Video of the assault has since gone viral. UFC boss Dana White and former UFC champ Conor McGregor reacted on social media to the video. White suggested the man attacked by Diaz could be pro boxer Jake Paul's brother, Logan (It wasn't, though). McGregor laughed and praised Diaz for his "rampage."
Diaz's next bout is against Jake Paul. His last professional fight was in September 2022 when he won against Tony Ferguson at UFC 279.
related articles
Mike Tyson I Understand Tank Davis Comparisons ... Breaks Down Ryan vs. Gervonta
-
Exclusive
- 86 shares
Mike Tyson says he now understands why so many people around boxing have compared Tank Davis' fighting style to his own, saying their "stoutness to the ground" and the way they throw power punches are very similar.
56-year-old "Iron" Mike joined Babcock on the TMZ Sports TV show (airs weekdays on FS1) ... where he talked about everything from the comparisons between him and "Tank," to whether Davis will have trouble with Ryan Garcia's height Saturday night.
"Tank is very comfortable fighting taller people because when he fights he catapults himself, and pushes himself in the air, so it makes it very difficult to stop his attack cause it's very awkward when you're in the air, normally you have no power. But, the way which he catapults himself, it's almost like a gun being fired. He flies right into you with every ounce of power."
FYI, Gervonta is giving up between 5-6 inches to Ryan, and also has a shorter reach. Length, in boxing, typically provides an advantage.
Mike continued ... "I understood them now when they say he fights like Mike Tyson 'cause he flies through the air which is normally bad positioning, you have no power in the air. But, for him and myself, our stoutness to the ground, as I said before, catapults us like being shot like a bow and arrow and the force is unstoppable."
As for Gervonta's other weapons ... Tyson says he's more than just a power puncher.
"Tank has a lot of arsenal, he's got a lot of ammunition in his arsenal, and he can box. He's a great boxer, he's a great, aggressive fighter, he has a great jab, and he's an all-around good fighter."
"They call him short 5'5", but he can do it all pretty much."
That's not to say Mike doesn't believe Ryan can win the fight ... or have dangerous weapons of his own.
There's much more ... we also talked to Tyson about the potential of him returning to the ring. Mike says a big check is important, but most importantly he'd want to put together a big-time event, and he believes that means an exhibition fight with Evander Holyfield.
And, if he does hammer out a deal with "The Real Deal," or he just wants to get in shape, Mike's got the equipment he needs. He just launched a new company, Tyson Pro, and he's selling high-quality boxing equipment, from wraps to gloves, for amateurs and the pros.
related articles
Ryan Garcia vs. Tank Davis Winner Will Be The Face Of Boxing ... Says Oscar De La Hoya
-
Exclusive
- 116 shares
The Ryan Garcia and Gervonta 'Tank' Davis super fight is FINALLY here ... and Oscar De La Hoya tells TMZ Sports the winner stands to become the face of boxing!!
The two superstar boxers will meet in the ring at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday and ODLH wholeheartedly believes Ryan (23-0, 19 KOs) is gonna prove he's the real deal, and not just some Instagram boxer.
"I feel that Ryan Garcia is a special fighter," the former boxing champ said. "I think he's gonna do something special Saturday night and be the face of boxing."
Of course, this may seem like favoritism from De La Hoya (Garcia is under ODLH's Golden Boy Promotions), but the 50-year-old legend says Tank, too, can become the biggest star in the sport with a win.
"If he's doing something special Saturday night, he will be the face of boxing. He will be the man." Oscar said about Davis.
"That's how important this fight is. We're gonna find out who is the very best and who's gonna carry the sport on their shoulders for years."
ODLH credited both fighters for their strength, speed, and boxing IQ, and that's why he believes it's a 50-50 fight.
"This could be the fight to save boxing," De La Hoya said. "It excites me that the sport, because of this fight, is gonna grow."
"I strongly feel we're gonna see some record-breaking numbers come Saturday night on Pay-Per-View."
We also talked to Tank about the fight ... and the 28-0 boxer says while the fight could go to a decision, he's confident he can put Garcia down for his 27th knockout.
"Be ready Saturday night."
related articles
Illinois Youth Wrestler Cited For Assault ... Over Sucker Punch
-
Breaking News
- 1.5K shares
The youth wrestler who clocked his opponent in the face following a match earlier this month has been cited for assault ... TMZ Sports has learned.
The Oak Park Police Dept. tells us the 14-year-old eighth grader was officially issued the citation on Thursday ... after he admitted to officers he punched his counterpart because "he was angry that he had lost the match."
The boy is now facing fines and penalties depending on the outcome of an adjudication hearing in Oak Park, Ill. next month.
As we reported, the incident went down on April 8 at Oak Park River Forest H.S. in Oak Park, Ill. ... after a 14-year-old SPAR Academy wrestler had won a match, 14-2, and had looked to shake hands with his opponent out of a show of sportsmanship.
Cops tells us ... when they arrived on the scene following the altercation, the victim had sustained a bloody nose from the cheap shot, but declined further medical care.
Police say all parties cooperated with the ensuing investigation.
It's unclear if the puncher will face further discipline -- such as a lifetime ban from wrestling -- but MMA legend Chael Sonnen told us this week he was hopeful the boy would avoid any sort of lengthy time away from the mat.
"This was a terrible moment," Sonnen said, "but it could also be a teachable moment."
As for the victim's recovery, his coach told us earlier this week he's already returned to training.