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Australian Boxer Taylah Robertson Recounts “Awkward” Encounter with Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis
Australian boxer Taylah Robertson has described an uncomfortable interaction with boxing world champion Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, during which she was reportedly told he “didn’t like white people.” The super flyweight contender, who earned a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, shared the anecdote during an interview on an American podcast, detailing her encounter with the reigning WBA world lightweight champion.
Gym Interaction and Photo Request
Robertson, 26, explained that the incident occurred while she was training at the same facility as Davis in the lead-up to his high-profile fight against Ryan Garcia in 2023. A long-time admirer of Davis, Robertson recounted her attempt to get a photograph with the boxing icon.
“He’s been my favorite fighter for a considerable time,” she stated on The Spit Bucket Podcast.
“I approached him in the gym, where we were both training. He was surrounded by his entourage, including a bodyguard. I asked, ‘Can I get a photo with you?'”
Unenthusiastic Response and Surprising Remark
According to Robertson, Davis displayed a lack of enthusiasm at the prospect of posing for a picture.
“He simply stared at me blankly,” she recalled. “If you look at the photo, you can see he barely glanced at the camera.”
Robertson recounted her initial interpretation of Davis’s demeanor to others present: “‘I don’t think he was particularly happy… obviously he’s in training camp.'” However, she was met with a surprising explanation: “No, he doesn’t like white people.” She responded with laughter and disbelief, “Oh damn.”
Davis’s Controversies Beyond Racism Allegations
While Davis has faced numerous controversies both inside and outside of the boxing ring, none had previously involved accusations of racial bias. The highly skilled WBA lightweight titleholder experienced a contentious bout against Lamont Roach in March, ultimately securing a draw.
Controversial Bout Against Lamont Roach
During a peculiar moment in the ninth round of the Roach fight, Davis unexpectedly took a knee without any apparent provocation. He then proceeded to his corner, later explaining that he needed to remove grease from his eyes, a consequence of a recent hair appointment.
Referee Steve Willis did not score the move as a knockdown. However, an unnamed “veteran referee” informed reporter Chris Mannix that Davis’s corner wiping his face during the match could have resulted in his disqualification.
Furthermore, this referee, along with two other anonymous officials, concurred that Davis’s act of kneeling should have been considered a knockdown, potentially awarding Roach a victory.
Davis clarified post-fight that he had washed his hair with water earlier that day in an attempt to mitigate the issue, but it proved ineffective.
Davis Explains His Actions During Roach Fight
“I didn’t want to be caught off guard while my eyes were burning,” Davis stated after the fight.
“You can’t afford to be knocked out in that situation. So, I opted to take a knee. I wasn’t aware that it could lead to disqualification. When [Willis] started counting, I was confused.”
During Davis’s kneeling, referee Willis initiated an eight-count but ultimately chose not to penalize the boxer for the unusual action.
The champion attempted to justify his decision to briefly pause the fight by taking a knee, to which Willis responded, “I understand, but when you take a knee like that, it appears to be a knockdown.”
Roach ultimately accepted a majority draw outcome, with judges’ scorecards reading 114-114 twice, and 115-113 in favor of Davis.