Gervonta Davis' Coach Teases Boxer's Return, But Won't Name Opponent

Davis' coach Calvin Ford says the former champion will be back in the ring soon, but is keeping the opponent's identity under wraps.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Gervonta 'Tank' Davis, a five-time world champion across three weight classes, is planning a comeback to boxing in 2026 according to his coach Calvin Ford. Ford teased that he already knows who Davis' opponent will be, but is not revealing the name yet, saying he is 'campaigning' for the right fight. Davis has been out of the ring since a controversial draw against Lamont Roach Jr. in March 2025 and has faced legal troubles, including a January 2026 arrest on charges of battery, false imprisonment, and attempted kidnapping.

Why it matters

Davis is still considered one of the top draws in boxing despite his recent troubles, boasting a professional record of 30-0-1 with 14 world title fights and an impressive knockout ratio over 90%. His return to the ring would be a major event for the sport, but his legal issues have left him on the outskirts of the boxing scene. If he can turn things around, fans will be eager to see the former champion back in action.

The details

Davis' coach Calvin Ford appeared on The Rize Podcast and gave an update on his fighter's comeback plans. Ford said 'Tank' has been doing this 'since he was seven years old' and that 'sometimes you need that reset because that reset means a lot.' While Ford didn't reveal the name of Davis' prospective opponent, he expressed excitement about the matchup, saying 'I can't wait. I already know who I would like to see for a comeback. The person I want to see him in the ring with is the one we're going to fight.' Davis was stripped of his WBA lightweight world title in January 2026 following his arrest, and his fight against Jake Paul was also canceled as a result of his legal troubles.

  • Davis' last fight was a controversial draw against Lamont Roach Jr. in March 2025.
  • In January 2026, Davis was arrested in South Florida on charges of battery, false imprisonment, and attempted kidnapping.
  • As a result of the arrest, the WBA stripped Davis of his lightweight world title in January 2026.

The players

Gervonta 'Tank' Davis

A five-time world champion across three weight classes with a professional record of 30-0-1 and an impressive knockout ratio over 90%.

Calvin Ford

Gervonta Davis' coach, who appeared on The Rize Podcast to tease Davis' upcoming comeback fight.

Lamont Roach Jr.

Davis' last opponent, whom he fought to a controversial draw in March 2025.

Jake Paul

Davis' fight against the YouTuber-turned-boxer was canceled due to Davis' legal troubles.

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What they’re saying

“He will be back in the mix. Tank has been doing this s--- since he was seven years old. Sometimes you need that reset because that reset means a lot.”

— Calvin Ford, Gervonta Davis' Coach (The Rize Podcast)

“I can't wait. I already know who I would like to see for a comeback. The person I want to see him in the ring with is the one we're going to fight.”

— Calvin Ford, Gervonta Davis' Coach (The Rize Podcast)

“At the end of the day, he has to make the decision on who he wants to fight, but I know it has to be the right opponent, especially for his fans, so they can really say I support him. It has to be a fight where they can be like 'yeah!''”

— Calvin Ford, Gervonta Davis' Coach (The Rize Podcast)

What’s next

Ford did not reveal the name of Davis' prospective opponent, but said he is 'campaigning' for the right fight that will excite Davis' fans and allow them to fully support his comeback.

The takeaway

Gervonta Davis' return to the ring in 2026 would be a major event for boxing, but his recent legal troubles have left him on the outskirts of the sport. If he can turn things around and find the right opponent for his comeback fight, Davis has the potential to regain his status as one of the top draws in the sport.