Former multi-weight world champion Roy Jones Jr. has expressed his admiration for Gervonta Davis and Terence Crawford, labeling them as two of the best fighters in the sport currently. He specifically praises Tank Davis for his ability to set up opponents and then utilize his impressive power to secure knockouts. However, Jones Jr. acknowledges the criticism surrounding Davis, pointing out that his body of work is limited due to the lack of high-caliber opponents faced.
Jones Jr. brings attention to the fact that Davis’ notable victories have been against fighters like Ryan Garcia, Frank Martin, and Isaac Cruz. Similarly, he highlights Terence Crawford’s resume, mentioning his win over Errol Spence, who was reportedly not in his prime. Crawford, according to Jones Jr., has avoided facing top-tier opponents like Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, Canelo Alvarez, David Benavidez, or Dmitry Bivol, thereby playing it safe in his career.
Power vs. Skill
While Jones Jr. acknowledges Davis’ power as one of the best in the sport, he also points out that Davis can be outboxed, emphasizing the limitation of his skillset. Davis is set to fight Vasily Lomachenko in November, which is anticipated to be a significant match for him. However, Jones Jr. believes that Davis should have faced Lomachenko earlier in his career to truly showcase his abilities.
Despite Davis’ powerful punches, Jones Jr. commends his ability to box, move laterally, and adapt as a southpaw. However, he criticizes the lack of a full twelve-round boxing performance from Davis to prove the legitimacy of his skills. Jones Jr. highlights the rarity of fighters who can excel in both punching and boxing, attributing Davis’ uniqueness to his multifaceted approach in the ring.
Roy Jones Jr.’s perspective sheds light on the strengths and weaknesses of Gervonta Davis and Terence Crawford as fighters. While their power and setup games are commendable, the criticism surrounding the quality of their wins and the level of competition faced is a significant factor to consider. Jones Jr.’s analysis serves as a reminder of the importance of challenging oneself and competing against top-tier opponents to solidify one’s standing in the sport.