WBA Lightweight Champion Gervonta Davis Honors Kobe Bryant in Latest Victory at Staples Center

Gervonta Davis was spotted wearing Nike Grinch boxing shoes to honor the legend Kobe Bryant before the fight night against Isaac Cruz in L.A. He crushed Cruz in a taxing 12 round fight and dedicated it to the one and only Kobe.

NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 24: MANDATORY CREDIT Bill Tompkins/Getty Images Gervonta Davis speaks to the Media during SHOWTIME SPORTS 2018 Boxing Announcements at Cipriani on January 24, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Bill Tompkins/Getty Images)

Gervonta Davis was very vocal about his admiration for Kobe Bryant and what he represented not only as a basketball player but as an athlete overall.

Kobe is his favorite player of all time and he watched him since he was young. The stuff he did on the court, the way he carried himself off the court, everything. Davis wanted to win this fight for Kobe.

Gervonta Davis is honoring Kobe by wearing Nike Grinch boxing shoes for tonight's fight in L.A. #DavisCruz

(h/t @ShowtimeBoxing) pic.twitter.com/5e6aUFJ1Uv

— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) December 6, 2021

The 27-year-old is certainly one to watch over the next few years in the ring. With skills like his and a drive to match, there is no telling what heights Davis could reach.

Gervonta Davis addresses his mentor, Kobe Bryant

In his post-fight remarks, Davis made sure to thank Bryant, who passed in January 2020. “L.A., we did it for Kobe,” said Davis, whose audience included NBA stars Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Kawhi Leonard, Dwight Howard, Kenny Smith, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – FEBRUARY 05: Kobe Bryant attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards Nominee Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 5, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

It’s clear that Davis has been heavily influenced by Bryant, both physically and mentally, adopting some of Bryant’s work ethic and trademark confidence.

Davis improvised himself in the middle rounds with an impressive pace to step away from Cruz’s offensive strategy. Moving towards the end of the round, he then delivered with flush uppercuts.

With Mayweather as his promoter and mentor, it seems that Davis is poised for a long and successful career in boxing. And we can be sure that wherever Kobe Bryant is watching, he’s rooting for Davis.

Also read: Shaquille O’Neal Drops a Brutal Reality Check for LeBron James and Anthony Davis Amidst Lakers’ Struggles

 

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