Gervonta Davis vs Abner Mares being discussed for February

A much-discussed matchup between 130-pound titleholder Gervonta Davis and Abner Mares could happen in February on Showtime, according to a report at ESPN, via Showtime Sports boss Stephen Espinoza.

“They’re in discussions and getting closer to a deal and, hopefully, it will be finalized to make the February schedule on Showtime. ... It’s a little bit like Spence-Garcia in the sense that you’ve got a guy moving up to take on a really highly regarded top guy. It’s not as big of a weight difference as Spence-Garcia, but give Abner all the credit in the world. That’s not something that you would expect him to pursue at this stage of his career.”

Honestly, I’d say it is something you’d expect Mares (31-3-1, 15 KO) to pursue at this stage of his career. He’s 33, he’s past his best days, and he lost a clear decision in a rematch with Leo Santa Cruz last time out, fighting for a featherweight world title. With little left at 126, moving up is basically the next step, and if he can squeeze another world title fight out of that, why not?

Davis (20-0, 19 KO) has blown through his competition thus far, and picked up the WBA “super world” super featherweight title against Jesus Cuellar in April, stopping Cuellar in three rounds. Davis had previously held the IBF title, but was stripped after failing to make weight in Aug. 2017 before a fight with Francisco Fonseca.

But despite Mares’ best days being behind him, he would arguably be the best opponent that the 24-year-old “Tank” Davis has faced to date, at least on paper, depending on how you feel about Jose Pedraza.