Floyd Schofield’s dad claims Gervonta Davis would rather retire than fight his son.
The talented prospect is rising through the ranks at an exponential rate and will take his biggest step up to date on February 22 when he squares off against WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson.
Instagram – Floyd SchofieldSchofield (right) has spent two camps with Davis but has never sparred with him[/caption]
Schofield is widely considered to be one of America’s top-rated boxing prospects and has caught the attention of several keen observers during his destructive 18-0 start.
While he hasn’t fought anyone close to Stevenson’s level in the paid ranks, he has sparred a who’s who of great boxers around his weight.
Among the long list of previous sparring partners is former undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney, former welterweight champion Shawn Porter and upcoming opponent Stevenson.
He’s also been in Davis‘ camp for two fights but the pair have never shared the ring together.
And according to his father and trainer, Schofield Sr, they never will.
“Gervonta said ‘I would never get in the ring with that guy’,” Schofield Sr told talkSPORT.com of a comment Davis made behind closed doors.
“And two years ago I told the world that when Floyd gets up to that level where he’s a mandatory to Gervonta, Gervonta will retire.
“And that’s exactly the same thing that is happening right now because anybody that has seen Floyd, the only one that has stepped up to the plate is Shakur.
“Everybody else who has seen Floyd [ducked him].
“He buckled Devin Haney [in sparring] and Devin ran up to weight classes to get away from him.
“Jojo Diaz made excuses to get away from him. You’re all going to see something.
“I’m not saying he is the greatest now, but I’m saying through the lessons and experience, he’s going to become the greatest boxer of all time.”
Davis is the reigning WBA lightweight champion and is set to defend his belt against WBA super featherweight title holder Lamont Roach on March 1 in New York.
At present, Schofield is the highest-ranked challenger by the major sanctioning body at No.2 (No.1 is vacant).
However, it is unlikely he will maintain that position as he has now gone down the WBC route.
Roach was granted ‘special permission’ by the WBA to move up and challenge for Davis’ title while also retaining his 130lbs strap.
It seemed as though the fight may not be going ahead after Davis took to social media to declare their clash was cancelled.
However, Davis has since come out and confirmed it is still going ahead.
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