Gervonta 'Tank' Davis and David Benavidez are both in talks for fights on December 21st, with Lamont Roach and Jesse Hart as their respective opponents. The event is being planned for PBC on Amazon Prime Video PPV, but it faces tough competition from the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk 2 rematch, which is also set for pay-per-view on the same date. While Tank Davis is undoubtedly a massive star, the choice of Roach as his opponent raises concerns about the fight’s ability to attract casual boxing fans, as Roach lacks notable victories and mainstream recognition.
David Benavidez, known as the 'Mexican Monster,' is expected to fight 35-year-old Jesse Hart. This decision has also sparked disappointment among fans, who had hoped to see Benavidez face the highly regarded David Morrell. The Hart matchup is seen as a less compelling option, leaving many wondering whether Benavidez is backing away from bigger challenges. Pairing Benavidez with a more established opponent could have made this card a stronger contender against the Fury-Usyk 2 showdown.
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Many fans believe that hosting these two fights on the same night as Fury vs. Usyk 2 is risky, given that the latter will attract significant global attention. If the Tank-Roach and Benavidez-Hart event goes ahead, it may struggle with pay-per-view sales unless priced competitively. Lowering the price to something around $15 could entice more viewers to tune in despite the competition. Without stronger matchups, the organizers risk low buy rates, particularly given the caliber of Fury vs. Usyk 2.
While Tank has a host of potential opponents in the lightweight division, such as Raymond Muratalla, Andy Cruz, Floyd Schofield, and Keyshawn Davis, choosing Lamont Roach doesn’t seem like the ideal matchup. With more exciting fights on the horizon for both Tank and Benavidez, it feels like this December 21st card could have delivered more. Do you think fans will still be interested in this card, or will the allure of Fury vs. Usyk 2 overshadow it completely?
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