Gervonta Davis is considered by many to be the face of boxing, and one of his sparring partners could be destined to follow suit one day, though this may not be the case after his latest career move.
Gervonta Davis has fought his share of tough competition, but one of his sparring partners impressed the Baltimore man so much that he pleaded Floyd Mayweather, who dethroned Arturo Gatti, to sign him.
Davis, who is Lomachenko’s top pick for next opponent, has sparred with the welterweight since he was just 16, and has watched over him as he worked up to being a 9-0 professional.
That man is Jalil Hackett, and, just last year, he had the worst night of his career as he lost an upset decision to Jose Roman Vazquez.
Jalil Hackett has forfeited chance to avenge his upset defeat
In 2024, Hackett faced his toughest opposition yet as he fought 13-1 Jose Roman, and lost on a split decision.
The prodigy was scheduled to rematch Roman on the undercard of Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams vs Patrice Volny, in a card which also features Canelo‘s latest opponent Edgar Berlanga.
It has recently been announced, however, that Hackett has withdrawn from the bout, which marked his one chance to avenge his sole career defeat, due to injury.
Fans had much to say about this withdrawal, with one writing:
“Not a good look. Could be weight or just lacks confidence to fight through minor injuries to take this mediocre fighter out.”
Another expressed their doubt over his injury: “Injury after he was at the press conference sure.”
One even said: “Poor kid can’t catch a break should’ve stayed signed to Tank…”
Jalil Hackett’s father speaks on upset defeat
According to Boxing Scene, Bernard Hackett, Jalil’s father and trainer, said:
“You have to finish the job the way you are being anticipated to, because part of being at the top of the game is you have to live up to expectations. Mike Tyson delivered every night all the way up until he won the heavyweight title.
Then he did a young-people thing and started getting off of what made him great. I think that is the same thing that, in retrospect, happened with us.”
It remains to be seen whether Hackett will get another chance to face Roman, and to fix the loss that stains his otherwise perfect record.