Gervonta Davis surprisingly posted a “good luck” message to Naoya Inoue today on X, wishing the unified super-bantamweight champion success in his title defense against Ye Joon Kim this Friday at Ariake Arena, Koto-Ku in Tokyo, Japan.
(Credit: Naoka Fakuda)
“Monster” Inoue will not need much luck to defeat his replacement opponent Kim (21-2-2, 13 KOs) is not in the same league talent, nor at the level of many of the top 15 contenders to 122.
Tank’s True Intentions?
Fans are still wondering why Team Inoue chose Kim as a replacement after Naoya’s initial opponent, Sam Goodman, suffered a cut and had to withdraw from the fight two weeks ago. Indeed, a better fighter could have been chosen than Kim. It’s sneaky enough of Gervonta that he’s trying to work his way into Inoue’s good graces so he can get a fight against him.
Many people find Tank rooting for Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs) strange because he wanted to fight for ages. Pound-for-pound fighter Naoya, 31, has shown no interest in moving up to lightweight to take on Gervonta for his WBA belt.
The tank does not need to waste time proof of curing favor with Inoue hoping that if it’s nice for him, he’ll move up to 130 or 135 for a mega-money fight. The Japanese star showed off his stripes. He doesn’t even want to move up to 126. If he’s not willing to go up to featherweight to take on killer sharks in that weight class, he’s certainly not going to go up even higher to take on a predator like Tank. Davis with no chance of winning.
Look what an old Nonito Donaire did to Naoya six years ago in their fight on November 7, 2019, he fractured his right orbital bone, cut above that eye, and broke his nose. Inoue looked like he had been in a wreck. It was all messed up. Since then, Naoya has not taken any risks with her career.
Yo NAOYA INOUE good luck fam..
— Gervonta Davis (@Gervontaa) January 23, 2025
