Is Gervonta Davis Really That Good? Paulie Malignaggi Weighs In

Former world champion and boxing analyst Paulie Malignaggi did not hold back when assessing WBA lightweight titleholder Gervonta Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) following his controversial draw against Lamont Roach (25-1-2, 10 KOs).

Malignaggi questioned Davis’ level of opposition and suggested that he deliberately avoids the best fighters in his division.

"There are at least six or seven lightweights better than Lamont Roach. It’s not like Davis came from a weak division and just happened to fight Roach. He picked Lamont Roach as an easy target. That makes you wonder: 'Is Gervonta really that good?'

He could have picked anyone from the top of the division. But his résumé is unimpressive. This guy talks like he’s Muhammad Ali at 30 years old, acting like he’s done everything and is ready to retire. In reality, he’s done nothing.

He’s never chased the best in his weight class. Has he ever had a fight where you could say, 'This is the top guy in the division, and Davis took the challenge—and won'? Even with injured hands, Shakur Stevenson would probably beat him today. Keyshawn Davis? Definitely. Edwin De Los Santos? He’d beat him, too," said Malignaggi.

For reference, on March 1, Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach fought to a D-MD 12—a majority draw after twelve rounds. The fight’s biggest controversy came in the ninth round when Davis took a knee, yet the referee did not rule it a knockdown. The moment sparked heated debates among fans and the boxing community.