‘Tank’ Davis knocks out Martin in the 8th round to keep WBA lightweight title

By Mark AndersonAP Sports Writer LAS VEGAS (AP) — Gervonta “Tank” Davis made a triumphant return to the ring after more than a year away, once again showing why he is one of the top pound-for-pound boxers.Gervonta “Tank” Davis celebrates after knocking out Frank Martin during the WBA lightweight championship boxing bout June 15, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Ellen Schmidt/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP)Armed with a punching power not typically associated with a lightweight, Davis made full use of his skills June 15 in dominating Frank Martin and knocking him out at 1:29 of the eighth round to retain the WBA championship.“I knew the way he fell he wasn’t getting back up,” Davis said.Davis delivered a right and two lefts to Martin’s face to send the Indianapolis resident to the canvas for his first career loss after he won his first 18 fights. Tank again proved to be one of boxing’s most ferocious punchers, improving to 30-0 — all but two by knockout.He predicted before the fight an eight-round knockout.“I was just throwing that out there. Next fight in the first round,” Davis said, smiling.This fight showed why Davis, a Baltimore native and resident, was a substantial favorite at 7-1,...