By Arthur Rooks, Boxing Contributor

Gervonta “Tank” Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) is once again under scrutiny as he gears up for a December 14th showdown against Lamont Roach (25-1-1, 10 KOs) at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. While Tank’s undefeated record is impressive, fans and boxing analysts are voicing frustrations over what they see as another “trash fight” for the Baltimore native.

Critics argue that Davis’ career has been defined by cherry-picked opponents, with rehydration clauses and strategic matchmaking. While names like Mario Barrios and Ryan Garcia adorn his resume, these victories came under heavily controlled circumstances. Many feel that after Tank’s knockout win over Frank Martin in June, following a 14-month layoff, a more challenging opponent was due.

On the other hand, Lamont Roach, a super featherweight stepping up to lightweight for this fight, has yet to defeat any A-list fighters in his 10-year career. Roach’s most notable loss came against Jamel Herring in 2019, and his recent wins over Feargal McCrory, Hector Luis Garcia, and Angel Rodriguez do little to suggest he can handle a powerhouse like Tank Davis.

While Roach’s camp may feel confident, many are viewing this bout as another mismatch, part of the standard operating procedure for Tank’s career trajectory. With critics clamoring for Tank to face tougher opposition, the legitimacy of this fight remains in question, despite its PPV appeal.