Roy Jones Jr believes Gervonta Davis would need to take significant risks to have any chance at defeating American rival Shakur Stevenson.

The two stars have been on a collision course since their early professional days, with many still eagerly awaiting their potential showdown.

In order for their matchup to finally materialise, though, Davis would need to return to action after having not fought since March 2025.

Back then, ‘Tank’ retained his WBA lightweight title with a controversial draw against Lamont Roach, who many felt was unfortunate not to emerge victorious.

But despite talks of an immediate rematch, Davis instead turned his attention towards an exhibition match with Jake Paul, only for the November event to be cancelled on account of him facing domestic violence allegations.

Since then, the 31-year-old has been made WBA ‘champion in recess’ and seems likely to make a ring return later this year, perhaps with an openness to pursue the Stevenson fight.

While considering the physical and technical advantages of both combatants, Jones has told FightHype that ‘Tank’, essentially, would need to be assertive but not reckless, so as to disrupt the tidy footwork of Steveson.

“I think Tank’s is going to have to give up a lot to beat Shakur, because Shakur is going to keep them feet on him.

“You’ve got to gamble against them feet; you can’t just go out there and box and think you’re going to beat him – as Teofimo [Lopez] found out.

“If you don’t gamble with them feet, he’s going to beat you all night. [Stevenson’s] comfortable being on that back leg and being smart about it.”

Given Stevenson’s masterclass against Lopez in January, many would favour his technical prowess and consistency over the explosive power of Davis.