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Gervonta Davis and Yuriorkis Gamboa promise action on Dec. 28 in Atlanta

Davis and Gamboa headline a year-ending Showtime Championship Boxing.

Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Yuriorkis Gamboa are set to headline on Saturday, Dec. 28, live on Showtime from State Farm Arena in Atlanta, closing out the Showtime boxing year and really the American boxing calendar for the year, at least on a major scale.

Davis (22-0, 21 KO) will be coming up from 130 to 135 for this fight, with a vacant WBA title on the line. Gamboa (30-2, 18 KO) is himself far from a natural lightweight, but the former featherweight titleholder has won interim belts at 130 and 135 in favorable matchups in the past.

On Tuesday, the pair met at a press conference to discuss the bout.

“I want to keep getting better and better inside that squared circle,” said the 25-year-old Davis. “I hope Gamboa brings the best out of me so that people can see that I’m not just a power puncher. I have a lot of boxing skills.”

“I recognize that Gervonta has done great things so far in his career,” said the 37-year-old Gamboa. “He’s had his glory, and I’ve had mine. I’ve been champion in different weight classes. We’re putting the work in and I assure you December 28 will be a great test for both of us.”

Davis, who will be a clear favorite against a fighter most everyone believes to be long past his best days, is taking Gamboa seriously as a step up.

“Coming up in weight is something that I know I have to do to be great. Gamboa is a tough opponent. He’s a gold medalist who hits hard,” Davis said. “I’m going to test the waters and Dec. 28 I’m going to show everyone what I can do.

“I believe this is the biggest test of my career so far. He’s very accomplished and we know that he’s explosive and comes to fight. He’s a tough opponent but we’re ready. We’re not taking him lightly at all.”

Gamboa believes that in his last fight, where he knocked out Roman “Rocky” Martinez in two rounds, he proved he can still go.

“I proved to the naysayers that I have a lot left in the tank. On Dec. 28, my goal is to continue to prove everyone wrong,” Gamboa said. “I know that we’re both coming to win, but in my heart and my soul, I see myself winning on December 28. I’ll leave it all in the ring to do so.”

Both fighters see the fight having action, which no matter what else you think of the matchup, should be the case.

“Everyone in Atlanta is going to see a great war,” Gamboa said. “It’s going to be two warriors fighting in the middle of that ring and may the best man win that night.”

“He’s an action packed fighter with power and speed,” Davis said. It’s going to be great for the sport and we’re going to make it a great night. The fans should expect action on Dec. 28. I’m going to give it my all and I’m going to put him down on his face.”

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