The stage is set for the WBA lightweight champion, knockout artist Gervonta "Tank" Davis, to return to the ring Saturday in Las Vegas for the first time in more than a year. He has a chance to showcase his punching power and skills against the undefeated southpaw, but less experienced, Frank Martin.
Davis is a big betting favorite (-700 via ESPN BET) over Martin, and that's fair. But we often dismiss fighters due to their lack of experience, failing to acknowledge what they have been visualizing, planning and preparing for years, dreaming of becoming world champion. Hunger, an unmeasurable quality, can make every fighter a threat, even against the best.
In 2004, Felix Sturm, boasting a 20-0 record, faced Oscar De La Hoya, one of the most revered pound-for-pound fighters of the era. Largely unknown and a professional for only four years, Sturm was considered a soft touch for De La Hoya, who had already been negotiating for a fight against Bernard Hopkins three months later.
Contrary to expectations, Sturm gave De La Hoya one of his most challenging fights, forcing him to dig deep. Many observers and boxing pundits believed Sturm outboxed De La Hoya throughout 12 rounds, but he didn't get the decision. Sturm may have been unproven, but he possessed the skill set, mindset, strategic insight and focus necessary to give one of boxing's best a rude awakening.
On any given night, something magical can happen. This is the essence of boxing, a sport where even the biggest can fall and the overlooked can rise to greatness.
Let's look at the Davis vs. Martin matchup and the underdog's chances to win the fight.