Latest news with #GervontaDavis
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Your heart starts racing': Mario Barrios, Manny Pacquiao and the art of the ring walk
Bang, bang, bang, bang! The sound of Mexica (pronounced Meshika) drums starts and gets louder, and faster, until Mario Barrios appears, dressed in Aztec regalia, with his hair slicked back. He walks slowly, surrounded by indigenous people, who blow their horns and dance their dance. It's June 26, 2021, and Barrios is doing one of the things he does best — make an entrance — ahead of the biggest bout of his life at that point, a super lightweight fight against the sport's most intimidating puncher, Gervonta "Tank" Davis. The fighter had been reconnected with his indigenous roots in years prior. On his mother's side, he has grandparents from Durango and Mexico City, while his father has relatives from San Luis Potosi. 'I have a lot of Nahuas roots,' Barrios told Uncrowned. He's even related to the Apache tribe from the southwestern U.S. states, and therefore 'has ancestors from both sides of the border.' Barrios' walks are a tribute to his mother, to his father, and to those who had come before him. Even his nickname is "El Azteca." Barrios lost to Davis in the 11th round that night, but he continues to pay homage to his Aztec lineage in subsequent fights. He did the same when he made his Netflix debut, boxing Abel Ramos to a brutal draw on the undercard of Jake Paul's polarizing win over Mike Tyson this past November. He'll do the same, too, when he makes his walk this Saturday to meet the Filipino fighting icon Manny Pacquiao in the middle of the ring inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Barrios' ring walks are among the most spectacular of this boxing era — a procession and celebration, but also one that has a deeper meaning beyond the bedazzling colors and the foot-stomping music. 'I got reconnected with the indigenous ceremonies earlier in my 20s and it was just something [that now means a lot],' said Barrios. 'Indigenous people and natives have been at war since colonization and long before, so they've always been very resilient, and very proud warriors … and I'm a warrior inside the ring.' He displayed that warrior's instinct in high-stakes fights against "Tank," Keith Thurman and Yordenis Ugas. He is determined to display it against Pacquiao, too, telling Uncrowned in June that he's prepared to put a legend down for the count if it's clear Pacquiao can't compete in championship fights in his later years. Around 2021, Barrios befriended a couple of the Kalipulli, a traditional Mexica-Nahua (Aztec) group dedicated to preserving the culture. They share their traditions through dance, song and Nahua philosophy. If Barrios were to pay homage to his family members, he'd need to recreate those traditions with his ring entrances. And so he met with Kalipulli from the Bay Area, and brought them to the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, for the "Tank" fight. 'It is beautiful,' he said. 'A lot of these dances, these ancestral drums that they're playing and using … they have been around for hundreds and hundreds of years, again, way before colonization.' His outfits, too, are designed by an artist and boxing fan from Los Angeles named Javier Zinzun Jr., who runs the I Got My Own Back brand, specifically catering to custom-made combat sports drip. 'I send them a bunch of ideas of different dances," Barrios said. "Being around the indigenous communities, you see all types of different regalia, outfits, and so I usually send him a couple different examples and I'll tell him what colors I'm thinking.' I Got My Own Back then puts their artistic spin on it, and sends finished products to Barrios and his team. It's not even something Barrios restricts to fight night, as his heritage is something that is prevalent throughout his camp, even if it reaches its crescendo minutes before battle. 'I've known Mario for a long time,' Bob Santos, the WBC welterweight champion's longtime coach, told Uncrowned. 'I know him inside and out. Like the good Lord, Jesus Christ, he's been with me from day one and we're still together. Those walkouts, the music, the outfits, that's all a part of his identity. It's who he is, and what he appreciates and what he represents. We see that [through the camp and on fight night].' Barrios plays ancestral songs in the background of his workouts, and so it's a common thing to hear, and to feel, when he's told he has only a few minutes before he makes his walk, ahead of the biggest fights of his life, under the bright lights, when the pressure, for most athletes, is at its highest. 'As a fighter, it just grounds me,' he said, finding calm before the storm. For Santos, it's a special moment, too. 'When you hear those drums beating, your heart starts racing,' the former boxing trainer of the year said. 'It gets you jazzed up. But you know this more than anyone, if you lose your head, you lose your ass. You can obviously feel the tension, you can feel the vibe. It's all part of it.' For Barrios, though it's loud, and looks like a carnival, it actually has a calming effect. He looks around the arenas because he loves 'seeing and hearing people's reactions, and what they think about it all.' Barrios, though, is not alone when it comes to iconic ring walks. Pacquiao, too, has his own. He's often walked out to "Eye of the Tiger," the iconic soundtrack to "Rocky III." Barrios had a simple takeaway when it came to his opponent's music, ring walk, and how special of a moment it'll be for Pacquiao fans who have flocked to Vegas to see their fighter return for one more bout, at 46 years old. 'I'm ready,' Barrios said. Ready, he said, to win the ring-walk game, and the fight itself too.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Time of India
Gervonta Davis stirs backlash after hiding face and dodging media during jail release for domestic violence case
Gervonta Davis stirs backlash after hiding face and dodging media during jail release for domestic violence case (Image via Getty) Gervonta Davis is back in the spotlight and not for his boxing ability. Following domestic violence arrests, the undefeated lightweight champion was released from prison in Florida on July 8, 2025. People were most startled by his quiet, covered-up departure from prison, surrounded by police and not just the arrest. Gervonta Davis hides face and avoids questions during quiet jail release On July 8, 2025, Gervonta Davis was seen departing Broward County Jail. Wearing all black, the 29-year-old boxer had his face shielded with a hoodie and mask. He didn't answer any questions from nearby individuals or journalists. Officers escorted Davis out and swiftly departed the scene in a vehicle waiting nearby. This moment has now spread widely on social networking. Many people are strongly responding to the way Gervonta Davis handled the situation. Particularly given the severity of the matter, his silence and covered face have caused outrage. Many Sports websites and other news outlets have depicted him moving quickly with guards, avoiding all eye contact. Davis had been caught over the weekend following a claimed event including a woman. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Although arrest details are still not made public, Davis was reportedly booked on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge. After posting bond, he was quickly freed. The precise moment of his release was not made known, and his team has yet issued an official statement. Gervonta Davis faces criticism from fans after shocking arrest and secretive exit Controversy is not unfamiliar to Gervonta Davis. The boxing star has had legal issues including prior assault claims in years gone by. With a 30-0 record and big victories in 2023 and 2024, he still maintains a significant presence in the boxing scene. This fresh arrest, though, could affect his prospects. Also Read: Gervonta Davis Arrested For Hitting Ex-Girlfriend On Father's Day Sparks Outrage Across Boxing World His conduct both inside and outside of the ring is being wondered about by many supporters. Online comments and news organizations are questioning how his team oversaw the release, some claiming the subdued departure made events seem worse. At present, Gervonta Davis has not made a public response. Legal action and court dates should follow shortly. Once on his strong punches, the spotlight now focuses on a much more somber point in his career. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
CBS News
12-07-2025
- CBS News
County Police investigate suspicious package in Middle River, advise residents to avoid the area
Baltimore Boxing Champion Gervonta Davis arrested on Misdemeanor Battery Charge and more top stories Baltimore Boxing Champion Gervonta Davis arrested on Misdemeanor Battery Charge and more top stories Baltimore Boxing Champion Gervonta Davis arrested on Misdemeanor Battery Charge and more top stories Baltimore County Police are investigating a suspicious package located near the 900 block of Middle River Road. The department shared the hazardous device team has been requested. Police urge residents to avoid the area at this time.
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Daily Mail
WBA lightweight boxing champ Gervonta Davis held on domestic battery charges in Florida
WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis has been arrested again on a domestic violence charge. As seen in jail records obtained by Daily Mail, Davis is now facing a battery charge after being arrested in the early hours of Friday morning in Miami Beach, Florida. Fox Sports Radio's Andy Slater is reporting that Davis is accused of his hitting his ex-girlfriend on the back of the head and slapping her. According to the alleged incident took place on June 15 outside the ex-girlfriend's home. Police pulled him over after running his plates and learning he had an outstanding warrant. He was previously accused of domestic violence in 2023 by Vanessa Posso, who is the mother of Davis' daughter. Posso has since publicly withdrawn her abuse allegations. Davis was arrested in December of 2022 in Florida on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge after allegedly striking a woman with a 'closed hand-type slap' and leaving her with an abrasion on her lip, according to a Broward County Sheriff's Office incident report. A recording of the alleged victim's 911 call was released by TMZ: 'He's going to kill me! I need help, please! I'm trying to go home. I have my baby in the car, and he attacked me in front of the kid. And, now he's messing up my tires!' Later in December, Posso said on Instagram that Davis was not guilty of domestic violence. She wrote: 'These past days have been hurtful, and extremely exhausting for all parties involved. I pride myself on being extremely private; this situation was the last thing I wanted to be made public. 'The state of our relationship has been in a fragile space and Gervonta and I were both at fault for the argument. 'While the emotions were running high I made an unnecessary call to law enforcement at an intense moment while I was frantic. Gervonta did not harm me or our daughter. 'Today, we have sought the help necessary to move forward with our lives. I am confident that we will succeed within our co-parenting dynamic with the counselling provided to us.' Davis broke his silence in an Instagram post he later deleted to deny the accusation. He wrote: 'I NEVER PUT MY HANDS ON MY CHILD MOTHER NOR MY F***ING DAUGHTER ARE YOU F***ING CRAZY!!' Davis wrote. 'I'M NOT A MONSTER.' Posso and Davis later reunited and in 2023, announced that they were expecting a second child. The lightweight champion previously surrendered to Florida police after he grabbed the throat of another ex-girlfriend at a charity basketball game in 2020. In 2017, assault charges against Davis were dropped after he allegedly punched childhood friend in the head. He was then accused of getting into a fight with a man at a mall in Virginia and was charged with disorderly conduct after a street brawl in 2018. Davis is 30-0-1 after coming away with a controversial draw against Lamont Roach Jr. back in March when referee Steve Willis neglected to deduct a point when Davis took a knee in the ninth. Roach's team filed a complaint, but the New York State Athletic Commission refused to overtun the result, stating that "the referee's call was not outcome-determinative.
BBC News
12-07-2025
- BBC News
World champion Davis arrested on domestic violence charges
WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis was arrested on Friday on misdemeanour domestic violence arrest was related to an incident near Miami, Florida, on 15 June, Father's allegedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend, the mother of two of his children, outside her 30-year-old was taken into custody in Miami but has since been released on $10,000 (£7,400) bond, with a court hearing scheduled for 29 has twice previously been arrested on battery domestic violence charges, in February 2020 and December has also served 44 days in jail in 2023 after violating the terms of a 90-day house arrest sentence, in relation to a criminal hit-and-run case that occurred in his hometown of Baltimore in November former IBF super featherweight champion is unbeaten from 31 professional fights, although his most recent bout was a controversial draw with Lamont Roach Jr in March and they have a rematch scheduled for August.
