Gervonta Davis surprisingly posted a “good luck” message today to Nawa Inoue, wishing the unified super bantamweight champion success in his title defense against Ye Joon Kim this Friday in Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan.

(Credit: Naoka Fakuda)

'Monster' Ino didn't need much luck to defeat his replacement Kim (21-2-2, 13 KOs), he's not in the same league talent-wise, nor is he on the level of many of the top 15 contenders at 122.

The real purpose of the tank?

Fans still question why Team Inoue chose Kim as an alternate after Nawa's scheduled primary opponent, Sam Goodman, suffered a cut and pulled out of the fight two weeks ago. In fact, a better fighter could have been selected than Kim. It's quite a secret that Garvonta can fight back by trying to worm his way into Inoue's good graces.

Many find Tank's rooting for Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs) odd because he's wanted to fight him for ages. Highly ranked pound-for-pound fighter Nawa, 31, has shown no interest in moving up to lightweight against Gervonta for his WBA belt.

No need to waste tank time Trying to please With Inoue, hoping that if he's good to him, he'll move up to 130 or 135 for a mega-money fight. The Japanese star showed off his stripes. He doesn't even want to go up to 126. If he doesn't want to move up to featherweight to take on killer sharks in that weight class, he certainly can't go any higher to take on a predator like Tank. Davis has no chance of winning.

Look what an old Nonito Donaire did to Nawa six years ago in their fight on November 7, 2019, breaking his right orbital bone, cutting him above that eye and breaking his nose. Inu looked like he had been hit by a train. He was all messed up. Since then, Naya has not taken any risks with her career.

Yo NAOYA INOUE Good luck family..

— Gervonta Davis (@Gervontaa) January 23, 2025