The homecoming title defense junior lightweight world titlist Gervonta “Tank” Davis has wanted is now a reality.
Davis will make his second defense against mandatory challenger Ricardo Nunez on July 27 (Showtime, 9 p.m. ET) before a home crowd at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe announced Thursday.
According to Showtime, Davis, a two-time titleholder, will be the first Baltimore native to have a hometown title defense since Harry Jeffra defended the featherweight world title in 1940, when he won a 15-round unanimous decision over Spider Armstrong at old Carlin’s Park.
“Bringing a show to Baltimore for Gervonta to perform on a stage in front of his hometown fans has been a long-time ask from him and I’m glad it’s coming to fruition,” Ellerbe said. “The timing that his homecoming is taking place couldn’t be better with him having elevated his career to being the most exciting fighter in the sport and ready to give his hometown fans a treat this summer.”
Davis (21-0, 20 KOs), 24, had his first title reign end when he failed to make the 130-pound limit for a defense in 2017. But in his next fight he knocked out Jesus Cuellar in the third round to win another belt. He made his first defense on Feb. 9 when he drilled late replacement and former world titlist Hugo Ruiz in the first round. Ruiz had stepped in a short notice for injured Abner Mares.
Davis has boxed only once as professional in Baltimore, scoring a second-round knockout of Rafael Casias in his fourth professional fight in 2013 at Coppin State University.
“It was always a goal of mine to bring a world title fight back to my city of Baltimore,” Davis said. “I’m excited and grateful to my team for helping make this happen. I can’t wait to put on a great show and to see all my supporters in Baltimore help me make it a night to remember at Royal Farms Arena.”
Nunez (21-2, 19 KOs), 25, of Panama, will be fighting in the United States for the first time and outside of Panama for only the second time, having boxed in Mexico in 2018. He has won 10 fights in a row, nine of them by knockout, but has faced limited opposition.
“My daughter is about to be born and with her in mind I am working very hard for this fight,” Nunez said. “I am dedicating this fight to my daughter and Panama, which has always supported me. I’m thankful for this opportunity and although some people don’t know much about me, after July 27, everyone will know me as the new champion of the world.”