WBA Strips Gervonta “Tank” Davis of Lightweight Title Following New Domestic Violence Lawsuit

Credit: Photo Leonardo Fernandez / Getty Images

The World Boxing Association has stripped Gervonta “Tank” Davis of his lightweight title following the filing of a new domestic violence lawsuit, reclassifying him as “Champion of Recess.”

According to Local 10 Miami, the lawsuit was filed by Davis’ ex-girlfriend, Courtney Rossel, who alleges that on October 27 of last year, Davis went to her workplace—Tootsie’s strip club—and assaulted her. Rossel claims Davis grabbed her, choked her, and dragged her through a stairwell and kitchen before pulling her into a parking garage.

Davis, 31, has previously been linked to multiple domestic violence incidents. In 2020, he was captured on video grabbing his then-girlfriend by the throat at a celebrity basketball game. In 2022, he was arrested and later released on bond following allegations that he struck an ex-girlfriend. Last year, in a separate incident, Davis was again arrested and released on bond after allegedly hitting one of the mothers of his children on the back of the head.

Rossel alleges the violence was ongoing throughout their five-month relationship. She claims Davis choked her roughly a month before the October incident and that a security guard had to step in to intervene.

WBA President Gilberto Mendoza addressed the situation on the Spanish-language program ESPN KnockOut, saying the organization plans to allow Davis the opportunity to present his side as it gathers more information. Mendoza added that Davis’ previously positive relationship with the WBA is being taken into consideration as the situation unfolds.

⚠️⚠️⚠️ WBA: Viene una decisión dura sobre Gervonta ⚠️⚠️⚠️

El presidente de @WBABoxing, @GilberticoWBA, charló en exclusiva con @ESPNKnockOut respecto al caso de Gervonta Davis. Por ahora será nombrado campeón en receso, pero… pic.twitter.com/p20V17Lz7y

— Salvador Rodriguez (@ChavaESPN) January 16, 2026

Although Rossel’s lawsuit has been public for months, the WBA did not immediately take action. Others did. In November, Yahoo Sports’ Uncrowned reported that organizers at Most Valuable Promotions canceled a planned exhibition bout between Davis and Jake Paul after Rossel came forward. Paul publicly referenced the allegations on X, calling Davis a “woman abuser” and pointing to “numerous arrests and related accusations and lawsuits.”

Davis won his most recent lightweight title in 2023 and has defended it twice in the past three years. His most recent bout came ten months ago against Lamont Roach, ending in a draw. Even before the lawsuit, the WBA had been preparing to review Davis’ title status due to inactivity, with no rematch scheduled and no upcoming fight currently on the books.

The title removal marks a major blow to Davis’ career as both his legal issues and professional future remain uncertain.