The last time Atlanta hosted a major boxing match, hometown hero Evander Holyfield won in a less-than-thrilling title defense against a boxer named Vaughn Bean, who had beaten a string of virtual unknowns to work his way up to the title defense. On December 28, boxing makes a return to Atlanta at State Farm Arena as two-time super featherweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis goes face to face with former unified champion Yuriorkis Gamboa.
Davis, a 25-year-old undefeated fighter from Baltimore, will be up against the older 37-year-old veteran from Cuba Gamboa. Gamboa holds a 30-2 record and is the 2004 Olympic gold medalist.
“December 28 is going to be an action packed fight, and not just my fight, but the whole card is going to be great. We’re training hard right now so we can live up to the hype. This is going to be a big event on December 28, not just a boxing show,” said Davis. “I want to keep getting better and better inside that squared circle. I hope Gamboa brings the best out of me so that people can see that I’m not just a power puncher. I have a lot of boxing skills.”
The event will be broadcast on Showtime, beginning at 9:00 pm and features a number of other fights, including WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal facing two-division champion Badou Jack in a co-main event. Tickets for the event are still available, starting at $54.00.
“Everyone in Atlanta is going to see a great war. It’s going to be two warriors fighting in the middle of that ring and may the best man win that night,” said Gamboa. “We sparred a few rounds before but I don’t remember much from it. It wasn’t in preparation for a fight or anything. What matters is the fight on December 28 and on that one, I’ll be at my best. I’d like to thank everyone who helped get me this opportunity and of course the city of Atlanta for having me here to talk about this great event we’re going to have on December 28.”
The aforementioned Holyfield is making the rounds to help promote the fight, appearing at Sunday’s Hawks game against the Lakers and talking about boxing coming back to Atlanta. Holyfield also talked with the Henry Herald and is optimistic that this could mean more boxing in Atlanta to come. “It could be. You’ve got the best fighter in Davis which is Floyd Mayweather’s guy and you’ve got good fighters,” Holyfield said. “And I’m sure a lot of people will be out to see the fight.”
The event will be a homecoming of sorts for Davis, who lived in Atlanta for several years and is looking forward to the chance to fight in his adopted second hometown. “I’ve always wanted to fight here. Atlanta has accepted me with open arms. Baltimore is always my first home, but being able to come here is special and I really appreciate the support.”
