Davis needs to impress tonight against Cuellar

Promo Lead21-Apr-18by John J. Raspanti

By John J. Raspanti

G Davis

In 19 professional fights, Gervonta Davis has knocked out 18 opponents. His talent is not subliminal, it’s brutal. His three fights in 2017 all ended in KO wins. Right now, his biggest challenge might be keeping himself in check.

A year ago, he won the IBF super featherweight title by stopping Jose Pedraza. He followed that up with an impressive knockout of Liam Walsh in London. Then, a couple of hiccups. He inexcusably lost his world title on the scales when he failed to make weight last August. Davis is 23. He’s due to make some mistakes, but losing a title without a punch being thrown shows a lack of discipline. A month later he was arrested on misdemeanor assault charges. The charges were later dropped.

There were whispers that Davis was on his way to becoming another Adrien Broner, who seems to be in trouble every other day. Maybe that’s not a fair assessment.

Davis is back to saying the right things as he prepares to meet Jesus Cuellar (28-2, 21 KOs) tonight at the Barclays Center in New York.

"I’m the most exciting and skilled fighter on television and in 2018 I plan to show it," said Davis in an article on www.premierboxingchampions.com.

"On April 21 I’ll be back in the ring, live on Showtime. Jesus Cuellar is arguably my toughest opponent to date. He is rough and tough, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

G Davis

Cuellar, a southpaw like Davis, is tough, but he hasn’t fought since losing a split decision to Abner Mares two years ago. He’s a walk-forward slugger.

In other words, Davis should have no problem finding him with his powerful blows.

Thinking positive, Cuellar is confident.

“The time I’ve had off since the Mares fight has refreshed me for this new opportunity,” said Cuellar. “It took a lot out of my body to make one hundred and twenty-six pounds (the Davis fight is at one hundred thirty pounds) for all of those years. Now I feel fresher and hungrier than ever before. I’ve been offered fights against lesser opponents in the last year but I’ve preferred to wait a little longer so that I can get a chance to fight the best. Gervonta Davis is one of the best in the world, so he’s the one I want to face and beat. Davis has never faced a fighter like me and he will see me at my very best. “

Cuellar,31, captured the WBA featherweight title in 2015 by stopping an aged Vic Darchinyan. He’s a capable fighter with power in both fists.

Davis will have an edge in speed Saturday night. Cuellar is more of a plodder, but if he can land a power shot, the fight could change.

If Davis is right, he wins a shootout with Cuellar inside of eight rounds.