Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin: Five Things We Learnt From the Card

Premier Boxing Champions capped off yet another night of fights, with Gervonta Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) stopping Frank Martin (18-1, 12 KOs) in eight.

The clash headlined a card at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Fight fans in the United States and the United Kingdom could catch the action live as a pay-per-view on Prime Video. PPV.com and TrillerTV also had the event available in several locations. Davis successfully defended his WBA lightweight title for the first time with a knockout win. He was elevated to full titlist after Devin Haney vacated his belts to move to super lightweight.

There were 11 bouts on the card – and much could be learnt from what happened. Below are five things Big Fight Weekend learned from the Davis vs. Martin card.

Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin: Five Things We Learnt From the Card

1. Power Can End a Fight at Any Time

Martin was able to get a lead in the bout thanks to being more active in the early rounds. He would box and move around the ring, avoiding for the most part the powerful left hand of Davis. However, as has become customary in “Tank” fights, it is only a matter of time before the power kicks in. Davis is a patient fighter who is fine with biding his time until the knockout presents itself. That was the case against Martin, whom he brutally knocked out in round eight.

2. It Will Take Some Time for David Benavidez to Adjust to Light Heavyweight

David Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) won against Oleksandr Gvozdyk (20-2, 16 KOs), but it might be wise to temper expectations regarding him being at 175 lbs. The two-time super middleweight champion outworked his opponent from the opening bell but slowed considerably as the bout entered the later rounds. Although he got tagged with power shots, Gvozdyk never appeared close to hitting the canvas, even having some success late in the fight. It will take time for Benavidez to adjust to light heavyweight and he should be given that time to develop at the weight.

3. Sometimes Power is Not Enough

Although a boxer’s power can end a fight at any second, it sometimes is not enough to win. Gary Antuanne Russell (17-1, 17 KOs) found that out in his loss to Alberto Puello (23-0, 10 KOs). The Dominican’s game plan ensured that he made it to the final bell and did enough to get the win on the scorecards. For Russell, it is back to the drawing board.

4. Middleweight Could Use With a Revitalization

It has definitely been said elsewhere and it is still true now. This division just does not elicit excitement at the moment. The world title clash between Carlos Adames (24-1, 18 KOs) and Terrell Gausha (24-4-1, 12 KOs) was dreadful. Middleweight has an incredible history, but fights like these do it little justice. One hopes for some revitalization soon at 160 lbs.

5. An Upset Always Feels Good

Elijah Garcia (16-1, 13 KOs) was considered a rising star at middleweight, but Kyrone Davis (19-3-1, 6 KOs) definitely set things back for the Arizona native. “Shut It Down” was not expected to get the win, but imposed his style well to walk away with the victory in the end. Although one judge shockingly had Garcia winning 98-92, the other two rightly scored it for Davis. The fight served as a reminder of what it is like to see an underdog get the win on a card like this. Expect Davis to get some well-deserved opportunities off the back of this.