Lightweight world titlist Gervonta Davis was charged with simple battery domestic violence in Coral Gables, Florida, on Tuesday following an incident with the mother of his daughter at a charity basketball game on Sunday in Miami.
The Coral Gables Police Department said that Davis was charged after he turned himself in to police on Tuesday.
In a 14-second cell phone video that has been viewed more then 7 million times on Twitter, Davis was seen approaching a seated woman and forcefully grabbing her near her neck and pulling her out of her seat during a charity basketball game that was set up around the Super Bowl festivities. Davis then walked her out of the arena as they appeared to argue.
“As a result of an ongoing investigation after being notified through social media and the victim, on February 1, 2020, (Davis) was observed battering his former girlfriend (with) whom have a child together,” Coral Gables police said in a statement. “(Davis) surrendered himself to Coral Gables police detectives assigned to the case.”
After the video surfaced, Davis, who has a history of legal issues, wrote on social media, “I never once hit her, yea I was aggressive and told her come on… that’s the mother of my child I would never hurt her other than that happy New Years.. January was trash.”
Davis’ post was later deleted.
Davis promoter Leonard Ellerbe of Mayweather Promotions did not respond to messages seeking comment.
“It looks like it’s a legal matter. We don’t comment on legal matters,” said Tim Smith, spokesman for Premier Boxing Champions, which manages Davis.
Davis (23-0, 22 KOs), 25, of Baltimore, who has won three world titles in two weight classes, claimed a vacant secondary lightweight belt on Dec. 28 in Atlanta — his second home — when he scored three knockdowns against Yuriorkis Gamboa en route to a 12th-round knockout victory.
Ellerbe, PBC and Showtime have said they plan to take Davis’ next fight to pay-per-view, a likely showdown with junior lightweight titlist Leo Santa Cruz later this year.