Tevin Farmer says he will pull out of James Tennyson title fight to take on Gervonta Davis
IBF super featherweight champion Tevin Farmer [26(5)-4(2)-1] is scheduled to defend his belt for the first time next month versus Irishman James Tennyson – but this is not the fight he wants.
The early build-up to Farmer’s defence versus Tennyson [22(18)-2(2)] at the TD Garden in Boston on October 20th has been full of mentions of WBA champion Gervonta Davis.
Initially it was a case of the Philly southpaw wanting to take on Davis in a unification after Tennyson but this has escalated today.
Farmer has declared on Twitter that “I’ll cancel my next fight on October 20th to fight Davis.”
“I’ll cancel my fight in October and we can fight in November. I know he needs time to get in shape.”
I’ll cancel my next fight on Oct.20 to Fight Davis Come on man. We not ducking no smoke. Only people that’s doing the ducking is on they side. I’ll cancel my fight in October and we can fight in November. I know he need time to get in shape #WSUP #LetsGo
— TEVIN FARMER (@TevinFarmer22) September 9, 2018
Davis, who is currently embroiled in a dispute with one-time mentor Floyd Mayweather, has looked to be a volatile figure recently. Indeed, just today, he has seemingly declared that he has quit boxing before responding positively to Farmer’s ‘offer’.
Let’s make it happen! https://t.co/Z2ZxJvH628
— Gervonta Davis (@Gervontaa) September 9, 2018
This is all despite the fact Davis [20(19)-0] too has a mooted defence coming up versus former three-weight champion Abner Mares
Contracts for Farmer v Tennyson have been signed and the fight will most likely take place – with severe financial and title ramifications likely for the champ if he were to arbitrarily pull out. However, ‘The American Dream’s’ comments today do remain concerning.
28-year-old Farmer won the red belt last month, outpointing Aussie veteran Billy Dib in Sydney.
25-year-old Tennyson, who is currently training in England, sparring with recent British lightweight champ Robbie Barrett, moved into frame for a world title shot with a fantastic European and Commonwealth title win over Martin J Ward in May.
UPDATE
Farmer’s co-promoter, Lou DiBella, has rubbished his fighter’s claims and assured fans that the Tennyson fight will take place.
No, champ, you won’t! #FarmerTennyson, Oct. 20, @tdgarden, #Boston. #SaundersAndrade https://t.co/hLUI15mIBA
— Lou DiBella (@loudibella) September 9, 2018