Boxing promoters Eddie Hearn and Leonard Ellerbe, who at least at one time had a very acrimonious relationship, met face to face during a press event for Canelo Alvarez vs Edgar Berlanga and instead of coming to blows, they engaged in what appeared to be a cordial conversation about the potential for making a fight between Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and Shakur Stevenson. Here are some excerpts of what both had to say.
Ellerbe on whether he can work with Hearn to make Tank vs Stevenson
“Tank will be back before the end of the year. We’re looking at a couple guys right now but he’ll be back before the end of the year. As it relates to the Shakur Stevenson fight, Tank wants him. Tank wants him, but it’s all about the timing of everything.”
Hearn on his intentions to make Tank vs Stevenson
“I feel that we’ve got a two-fight plan with Shakur, hopefully extends. Joe Cordina, Zepeda in February. I think Tank vs Shakur is one of the biggest fights in the sport. I think Tank is so exceptional it’s going to take someone as good as Shakur to give him a real fight, and I love that fight.”
At that point Ellerbe would chime in with some friendly back-and-forth banter, with an energy that starkly contrasts Ellerbe’s past comments about Hearn.
“Shakur can’t beat Tank,” Ellerbe said. “He beat all them other fighters, he can’t f-ck with Tank.”
“Tank loses rounds,” Hearn would respond. “I think Shakur’s the man to beat him.”
“Shakur cannot f-ck with Tank. He’s a very good fighter, a lot of respect for him, what he’s done in the ring, has got a good team around him, but he can’t f-ck with Tank.”