Gervonta Davis stripped of WBA lightweight title following arrest warrant over domestic violence claim

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Gervonta Davis is no longer a boxing world champion. "Tank" was stripped of his WBA lightweight world title and made "Champion in Recess" in recent days following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the Miami Gardens Police Department (MGPD) over Davis' latest domestic violence charge.

WBA president Gilberto Mendoza announced the news on a Spanish-language talk show over the weekend.

The WBA's decision to relinquish Davis of his title is also, in part, due to inactivity. "Tank" has defended his championship just two times in the past three years, with his latest defense coming more than 10 months ago, and he does not have a fight currently scheduled.

Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) and Lamont Roach fought to a controversial draw this past March in their WBA title fight, which involved Davis' infamous kneel-down debacle. Mendoza said afterward that he would push the WBA championship committee to order an immediate rematch, however no order came and talks between the teams ultimately broke down after a separate domestic violence was levied against Davis from another of the boxer's ex-girlfriends.

Davis’ latest charge stems from an accusation made by his ex-girlfriend, Courtney Rossel, who alleges that he committed battery, false imprisonment and kidnapping during an incident that reportedly occurred on Oct. 27 at Tootsies, a strip club.

Rossel, who claimed she was a victim of domestic violence on multiple occasions during her five-month relationship with Davis, said that Davis attacked her in the back room of the club before dragging her through the back exit and assaulting her in the parking garage.

Police said this past Wednesday that surveillance footage from the club corroborates the alleged victim's story.

"The investigation determined that Mr. Davis used force to restrain in an attempt to remove the victim from the location against her will," MGPD executive officer Emmanuel Jeanty said.

The warrant for Davis' arrest was filed this past week, with Davis still at large. Miami officials are working with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force to locate him.

There is also an active civil lawsuit filed by Rossel against Davis regarding the same incident.

The alleged October incident is not the first time Davis has been accused of domestic violence. Most recently, the controversial boxer was charged with striking his ex-girlfriend on the back of the head and then slapping her during an alleged dispute on Father's Day. The case was ultimately dropped after the woman declined to prosecute.

News of Rossel's claim led to the cancelation of Davis' lucrative Netflix boxing match with Jake Paul, which was scheduled for Nov. 14 of last year. Former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua ultimately replaced Davis for the event, which was rescheduled for Dec. 19. Joshua knocked out Paul in Round 6, breaking Paul's jaw.