Bill Haney says Gervonta Davis is a “manufactured” fighter that has brought along during his career against “slow-footed Mexican fighters,” and he feels he lacks confidence in himself.
Bill states that the three-division world champion Tank Davis (29-0, 27 KOs) has been matched against slower fighters throughout his career and has never faced anyone like Devin Haney.
Manufactured Fighter Claim
Although Bill doesn’t say what he means by mentioning his son, it appears he’s talking Tank, never having fought a slick mover who uses the pull-back style and clinches a lot whenever his opponents get close.
It’s valid that Tank has never fought a hit-and-run fighter, but many fighters haven’t. Those types of guys are avoided because it requires a lot of chasing around the ring, and Mayweather Promotions & PBC weren’t going to put Tank in the position of dealing with that type of opponent.
Bitter Motivation?
It’s obvious to some that Bill is still bitter about Tank Davis not being open to moving up to 140 and challenging his son, Devin Haney, for his WBC light welterweight title without any weight stipulations and a 50-50 split.
If Bill is harboring a grudge against Tank for not giving up his A-side privileges, it’s understandable why he’s lashing out. Without Tank, Haney’s options are slim and risky. Fight Subriel Matias and get roasted or move up to 147 and fight Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis” and get destroyed.
Bill states that the more he sees Gervonta, the more he’s convinced that he lacks confidence. That is to say, he thinks Tank is scared of fighting high-level competition, like Devin and other top guys.
Of course, one could flip it around and say the same thing for Haney, who left the 135-lb division without fighting Shakur Stevenson, who rehydrates to 165, which means he’s essentially fighting four divisions outside of his natural frame by melting down to compete at 140.
Lack of Confidence
“Who would have thought that would have been the toughest task for the former face of boxing [Gervonta Davis]. The more I watch him, the less confidence I see in the kid,” said Bill Haney to Shawn Porter’s YouTube channel, talking about Gervonta Davis.
“The kid [Tank] is built up and manufactured against slow-footed Mexican fighters. He’s never fought anyone that resembles Devin,” Bill continued with his criticism of Tank Davis. “The last time we were in the ring together, he got cooked.”
Now, ask Shawn this question.if I beat his ass in the gym and he was over 147lbs..why tf would I be scared to fight a mf w just a nose..shit not adding up!
— Gervonta Davis (@Gervontaa) January 17, 2024
