Gervonta Davis has world title downgraded after arrest warrant issued

Gervonta Davis has been downgraded to WBA ‘champion in recess’ in light of his ongoing legal trouble.

It marks the end of a WBA lightweight reign, which started in December 2019 with the ‘regular’ belt, before he was eventually upgraded to full world champion in early 2024.

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As a ‘champion in recess’, Davis retains the right to challenge for the belt upon his return.

The WBA Championship Committee will now meet to discuss whether to order a vacant lightweight world title clash.

At present, Floyd Schofield is ranked No.1 by the major sanctioning body, with Lucas Bahdi occupying the No.2 spot.

What allegations is Gervonta Davis facing?

The decision to downgrade Davis came after an arrest warrant was issued by Miami Gardens police on charges of battery, false imprisonment and attempted kidnapping, stemming from an alleged incident on October 27.

A lawsuit was subsequently filed by Davis’ ex-girlfriend, Courtney Rossel.

The lawsuit alleges that Davis entered a gentlemen’s club where Rossel worked and attacked her in a back room that did not have cameras.

Davis allegedly grabbed the woman’s throat and held the back of her head, dragging her through the establishment and into the parking garage before physically assaulting her again.

Police have said that surveillance footage from the club corroborates the woman’s story.

“As a result of the diligent and hard work of our special victims unit, an arrest warrant has been issued for Gervonta Bryant Davis on the following charges – battery, false imprisonment and attempted kidnapping,” said police in a statement.

“The investigation determines that Mr Davis used force to restrain and attempt to remove the victim from the location against her will.

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“The Miami Gardens Police Department is actively working with the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force to locate and apprehend Mr Davis.”

Davis had been scheduled to meet YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in an exhibition bout on November 14, but the fight was cancelled amid the harrowing accusations.

Anthony Joshua stepped in to replace Davis and knocked out Paul in the sixth round.

Davis hasn’t set foot in the ring since being held to a draw by Lamont Roach in a highly controversial fight in March.

There were already calls for ‘Tank’ to be stripped of his black and gold strap after he abandoned a rematch with Roach to box Paul.