‘Tank’ Davis joins Pacquiao, Mayweather & De La Hoya as three-division champion

With the former Pound-4-Pound best fighter in the world, Floyd Mayweather yelling “Be great, Tank” from his corner, Gervonta Davis became the 53rd three-division champion.

Davis defeated the previously undefeated Mario Barrios via knockout at the 2:13-mark of the 11th round in their main event Saturday, June 26 from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

The win brings Davis the WBA (Regular) Super Lightweight championship as he improves to 25-0-0 with 24 knockouts in his second main event in Atlanta.

In addition, the Baltimore native became the ninth fighter to win belts in the 130, 135 and 140-pound divisions. Other fighters to accomplish the feat include Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya.

It was a two weight class jump for Davis as he faced a champion who was 3-0-0 in world title fights and was making his second defense of his belt.

Moreover, Barrios (26-1-0, 17 KOs) had never been knocked down as a professional coming into the fight.

Right when it appeared the fight was heading to the cards, Davis landed a big right hook that sent Barrios to the canvas for the first time in his career.

It has been six years since Davis’ last and only decision win in his professional career.

Showing the heart of a warrior, the champion returned to his feet only to be sent back to the canvas via a left hook from Davis this time around.

Contrary to the belief of most of the packed building, Barrios didn’t believe the fight was over and not only got up again but came out on the attack in the ninth round.

However, that rebounding effort was thwarted again in the 11th round when Davis landed a left uppercut to the body that folded the San Antonio native.

Throughout the fight, Davis threw the left uppercut to the head often but rarely found success.

It was that same punch that flattened Leo Santa Cruz back in Texas on Halloween when Davis captured the WBA (Super) Super Featherweight title.

Again showing his fighting spirit, Barrios stood to his feet only to be wobbled by more devastating blows from the six inch-shorter challenger.