Mike Tyson Says Gervonta Davis Could Beat Shakur Stevenson

Tyson says Davis was the only fighter capable of troubling Stevenson

Mike Tyson says Gervonta Davis is the only fighter he believed could defeat Shakur Stevenson.

Stevenson defeated Teofimo Lopez by unanimous decision in January, winning the WBO and Ring junior welterweight titles and becoming a four-division world champion. Judges scored the contest 119-109 on all three cards.

The result strengthened the view that Stevenson currently stands above most challengers between lightweight and junior welterweight.

Tyson, however, believes Gervonta Davis once possessed the tools to pose a serious problem.

Speaking to Fight Hub TV, the former heavyweight champion explained why he felt Davis could have been Stevenson’s toughest opponent.

Tyson said: “He’s a great fighter. I don’t know if he’s as serious as he used to be but, when he was serious, he was a hell of a fighter that nobody came close to beating.

“He’s the only one I gave a chance against Shakur. Tank is just a force of nature you’ve just got to give him the credit. He’s the f man.”

“Oh god, it’s gonna be interesting, because if Shakur handles this guy like he did Lopez, I’m gonna say hell with him. Somebody’s gotta give him a fight, though, but you gotta be very sophisticated to know how to fight. This is when I know you lost against Shakur. Once you start doing this stuff posturing and looking at him, it’s over. You gotta constant action, motions, constant motions against him. You gotta be on him constantly. Once you start looking at him and doing this, you’re dead. He’s gonna pick you apart.”

Davis’ career has been complicated in recent months. The WBA stripped him of his lightweight title earlier this year following a period of inactivity and legal issues related to charges of battery, false imprisonment and attempted kidnapping.

Rather than removing him completely from the title picture, the sanctioning body designated Davis as its “champion in recess,” allowing the possibility of reclaiming the belt in the future.

Before those developments, a fight between Stevenson and Davis had been widely discussed among fans and observers as one of the sport’s most intriguing matchups.

The contrast in styles would have created immediate tension. Stevenson relies on ring IQ, timing and disciplined shot selection, while Davis built his reputation on explosive power and sudden knockouts.

For now the matchup remains theoretical, but Tyson’s view reflects how highly Davis was regarded at his peak.