In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, the World Boxing Association (WBA) has officially stripped lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis of his boxing license, effectively banning him from competing under their sanctioning body. The decision, announced late last night by WBA President Gilberto Mendoza Jr., comes amidst ongoing controversies surrounding Davis’s recent majority draw against Lamont Roach Jr. and his refusal to comply with the organization’s demands for an immediate rematch. Breaking his silence for the first time since the ruling, Davis unleashed a fiery response, accusing the WBA of trying to sabotage his career: “They want to end me.”

The Controversial Lead-Up to the Ban

  
The drama began on March 1, 2025, when Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) defended his WBA lightweight title against Lamont Roach Jr. at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The fight ended in a majority draw, but the result was mired in controversy due to a ninth-round incident where Davis took a knee after a flurry of punches from Roach. Referee Steve Willis failed to rule it as a knockdown, a decision that many, including Roach’s team, believed cost the challenger a rightful victory. The scorecards—114-114, 114-114, and 115-113 in favor of Davis—allowed “Tank” to retain his belt, but the backlash was immediate.

Roach’s team filed a formal complaint with the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC), which upheld the draw on March 10 despite acknowledging errors in the officiating. Meanwhile, WBA President Mendoza pushed for an immediate rematch, stating on March 3 that the controversy warranted a second fight. However, Davis, while initially expressing interest in a rematch, later backtracked, telling reporters at a post-fight press conference, “It’s definitely the one I want next, but it’s not going to be next.” This reluctance to commit to the WBA’s directive appears to have been the final straw for the organization.

#### **WBA’s Drastic Decision**  
Late on March 27, Mendoza announced the unprecedented decision to strip Davis of his boxing license, effectively barring him from fighting in any WBA-sanctioned bouts. In a statement, Mendoza cited Davis’s “repeated failure to adhere to the organization’s rules and directives” as the primary reason for the ban. “The WBA has a responsibility to uphold the integrity of the sport,” Mendoza said. “Mr. Davis’s refusal to comply with our order for a rematch, combined with his history of conduct issues, leaves us no choice but to take this action. We cannot allow any fighter, no matter how talented, to undermine the principles of fairness and accountability in boxing.”

The decision marks a rare and severe punishment in the sport, as stripping a fighter’s license is typically reserved for extreme cases of misconduct, such as doping violations or criminal behavior. Davis’s history of legal troubles, including a recent probation violation in Baltimore that resulted in a $10,000 charity donation order on March 12, may have also factored into the WBA’s ruling. However, many in the boxing community are questioning whether the punishment fits the crime, especially given Davis’s status as one of the sport’s biggest stars.

Davis Fires Back: “They Want to End Me”

  
Gervonta Davis wasted no time responding to the WBA’s decision, taking to Instagram Live in the early hours of March 28 to address his fans and critics. Visibly emotional, the 30-year-old champion accused the WBA of orchestrating a conspiracy to derail his career. “They want to end me,” Davis declared, his voice trembling with anger. “I’ve been the face of boxing, bringing in millions for this sport, and this is how they treat me? They’re mad because I didn’t jump when they said jump. This ain’t about fairness—it’s about control.”

Davis went on to claim that the WBA’s decision was influenced by external pressures, including Roach’s team and possibly other promoters who see him as a threat. “They’re trying to make an example out of me because I don’t play their games,” he said. “I’m not just some puppet they can pull strings on. I’m Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, and I’ll fight back with everything I’ve got.” He also hinted at pursuing legal action against the WBA, stating, “My team is already working on this. They can’t just take away my livelihood like that.”

#### **The Boxing World Reacts**  
The WBA’s decision has sparked a firestorm of reactions across the boxing community. Fans on social media platforms like X are divided, with some supporting the WBA’s stance on accountability, while others see the move as an overreach designed to punish Davis for his independence. “The WBA is a joke,” one fan tweeted. “Tank brings in more money than any of their other champs, and they do this? They’re killing their own sport.” Another user countered, “Davis had it coming. He can’t just ignore the rules and expect to keep his belt. The WBA did the right thing.”

Prominent figures in boxing have also weighed in. Veteran analyst Teddy Atlas called the decision “a dangerous precedent,” arguing that stripping a fighter’s license over a rematch dispute is excessive. “Davis isn’t perfect, but this feels personal,” Atlas said on his podcast. “The WBA should’ve fined him or stripped the belt, not his entire license. This could set a terrible example for how sanctioning bodies handle disputes.” Meanwhile, Roach’s trainer, who has been vocal about the need for a rematch, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, telling *Boxing Scene*, “Justice is being served. Lamont deserves a fair shot, and Davis can’t keep running.”

#### **What’s Next for Gervonta Davis?**  
The WBA’s decision leaves Davis’s career in limbo. Without a WBA license, he cannot compete for the organization’s titles, including the lightweight belt he has held since 2019. However, other sanctioning bodies like the WBC, WBO, and IBF may still allow him to fight under their banners, potentially setting the stage for high-profile matchups against fighters like Shakur Stevenson, who has been campaigning for a unification bout with Davis. Stevenson recently declined an offer to fight on the undercard of Terence Crawford’s clash with Canelo Alvarez, citing his belief that a fight with Davis would be “the biggest in the sport.”

Davis’s team has already indicated they will appeal the WBA’s ruling, and legal experts suggest he may have a case if he can prove the decision was made arbitrarily or with bias. In the meantime, Davis’s comments about being targeted raise questions about the power dynamics within boxing. Sanctioning bodies like the WBA have long been criticized for their inconsistent rulings and susceptibility to influence from promoters and other stakeholders. Some speculate that the WBA’s harsh stance may be an attempt to reassert authority amid recent controversies, including the handling of Davis’s fight with Roach.

#### **A Career at a Crossroads**  
For Gervonta Davis, this is undoubtedly the most challenging moment of his career. Once hailed as the “face of boxing” with a record of 30 wins, 1 draw, and 28 knockouts, Davis has faced criticism in recent years for not taking on the toughest opposition and for his legal troubles outside the ring. His majority draw against Roach on March 1—described by ESPN as his “career-worst performance”—already had fans questioning whether the 30-year-old was past his prime. Now, with his WBA license stripped, the road ahead is uncertain.

Will Davis fight back through legal channels and return stronger than ever, or will this mark the beginning of a downward spiral for one of boxing’s brightest stars? One thing is clear: the saga of Gervonta “Tank” Davis is far from over, and the boxing world will be watching closely to see how this shocking twist unfolds.