Boxing champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis, one of the sport’s most brilliant and controversial players, was arrested in Miami on January 28, 2026, after a two-week manhunt that began after authorities issued a warrant in connection with a major domestic violence incident in October 2025. Davis is now facing various criminal accusations, including violence, false imprisonment, and attempted kidnapping, which were brought by police in response to a complaint from a former love partner. 

The Arrest and Manhunt

The Miami Gardens Police Department, with the assistance of the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force, identified and apprehended Davis without incident in Miami’s Design District, bringing an end to a search that began on January 14, 2026, when a warrant was issued. After their efforts to serve the boxer with legal documents failed, law enforcement began surveillance and attempted to locate him for about two weeks.

According to officials, Davis was lodged into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center late Wednesday night after being tracked down across various counties.

While the arrest itself was peaceful, it signaled a significant escalation in Davis’ legal problems, attracting enormous media attention and creating concerns about his future both within and outside of the ring. 

Details of the Alleged Incident

The criminal charges stem from an October 27, 2025, incident at a Miami Gardens gentlemen’s club, where police say Davis confronted his ex-girlfriend, who worked as a VIP cocktail server. Investigators said he seized her by the hair and throat, pulled her down stairs, and brought her against her will to a parking garage, where she eventually left and sought assistance from coworkers.

Police apparently checked surveillance video that corroborated elements of the woman’s testimony, and her complaint resulted in a civil lawsuit, which was filed shortly after the October incident. According to court documents, the woman and Davis began dating in 2022 and terminated shortly before the event. 

Police spokeswoman statements at the time emphasized that domestic violence cases are treated with utmost seriousness, and investigators pursued the case accordingly. 

Legal and Career Consequences

The timing of Davis’ arrest and the upcoming accusations have already had a big impact on his boxing career. After the lawsuit and imminent warrant became known, a planned exhibition fight with celebrity boxer Jake Paul in late 2025 was canceled, and Davis was later removed off promotional decks.

Furthermore, the World Boxing Association (WBA) recognized Davis as a “Champion in Recess,” thereby lowering his position as lightweight titleholder so that the division could carry forward despite ongoing legal issues. 

Before this episode, Davis had built an impressive professional record, boasting an undefeated ledger with 30 wins, one draw, and 28 knockouts. However, his in-ring activity had already slowed, with his last bout in March 2025 ending in a controversial draw against Lamont Roach Jr. and subsequent plans for high-profile matchups falling through. 

A History of Legal Issues

Davis’ arrest is not the first time he has been in problems outside of the ring. His legal history includes several previous domestic violence or assault allegations, some of which were abandoned or dismissed. In 2025, he was apparently detained in Miami Beach on identical charges that were later dropped, and earlier in his career, he faced legal issues related to domestic abuse and a hit-and-run conviction that resulted in house detention and probation in Maryland.

These previous cases, as well as the current case, have sparked debate about player behavior, accountability, and the relationship between personal acts and professional reputation in elite sports.

Reactions and Public Impact

As word of Davis’ arrest circulated, the boxing world and the broader public responded quickly and diversely. Some critics emphasized the gravity of the claims and supported law enforcement operations, while others questioned how such legal difficulties should harm an athlete’s career and reputation.

The lady who filed the civil action against Davis has sought hefty damages and is demanding a jury trial, indicating that the legal struggle may go far beyond criminal charges.

Davis has yet to give a detailed public statement about the arrest, his legal defense, or the claims, and the matter is still ongoing. Court dates and potential bond restrictions have yet to be fully announced.

The Road Ahead

Davis’ arrest and the charges he faces raise a complex set of legal, ethical, and sporting considerations. With an ongoing criminal investigation and civil case pending, his future in the courtroom and on the canvas is unknown.

As the case progresses, observers will be watching to see how courts, boxing officials, and fans react to one of the sport’s most divisive figures facing serious claims outside the ring.