Gervonta “Tank” Davis is facing heavy criticism after appearing to mock the reported death of Devin Haney’s mother.
The controversy erupted on Monday, Aug. 24, after Davis shared a series of posts on Instagram that many people interpreted as references to Haney’s mother. The posts quickly spread across social media, with fans and boxing followers questioning the decision to make such comments about someone’s family during a deeply painful moment.
The situation is especially sensitive because of the history between Davis and Haney.
Just weeks earlier, Haney had spoken about Davis’ mother. That exchange added another layer to an already heated relationship between the two fighters. Boxing rivalries can get intense. Trash talk is common, personal attacks are also nothing new in combat sports.
But family and death are different territory.
Davis‘ Instagram post, which has now been deleted, featured a photo of someone who has been labeled Haney’s mother alongside a message that seemingly referenced death. Luckily, I was able to screenshot his post before he deleted it from his Instagram.
In the post, “Tank” wrote, “She’s doing the same thing her son did. Went to sleep.”
He also posted the same screenshot on his Instagram story with another grim caption. I was also able to screengrab the picture before it was deleted.
The screenshot “Tank” used is from a 2024 thumbnail of a video from boxing journalist Sean Zittel, in which the woman speaking claimed to be Haney’s mom.
There is also an important distinction between trash talk and cruelty. Fighters can insult each other, they can question each other’s skills and can promote fights with aggressive words.
Mocking a reported death, however, can cross a line that many people will not accept.
Gervonta Davis with an FOUL diss to Devin Haney after his mom passed away 😳 pic.twitter.com/cjUgzLcaKU
— Hassan (@Hassanwellss) August 24, 2026
For Haney and his family, the situation is bigger than boxing. Losing a parent is a deeply personal experience. Public comments about that loss can make an already difficult situation even harder.
Nigga what???? Na this caption is od…… pic.twitter.com/qs4v1BkH8O
— PHB (@purplehearttboy) August 24, 2026
The latest incident is another reminder that rivalries have limits.
Alright Gervonta this is way too far pic.twitter.com/4WgmyT38rr
— Jack Alter (@jackalter) August 24, 2026
Boxing needs drama, it needs personalities and needs fighters willing to sell a fight, but there should still be a line.
Too Far ? 😮😱 #tankdavis #DevinHaney #Gervonta pic.twitter.com/lImnFI1bsR
— Desmond Newton (@Wop_2Raree) August 24, 2026
And judging by the reaction online, many fans believe Davis crossed it this time.
