Coach Kenny Ellis recently sat down for an in-depth discussion on two major topics in the boxing world: the relationship between Gervonta “Tank” Davis and his trainer, Calvin Ford, and the controversial loss suffered by Jalil Hackett. Ellis, known for his candid and thoughtful insights, didn’t hold back when addressing these issues.
On Gervonta Davis and Calvin Ford’s Relationship:
Coach Kenny took the opportunity to address rumors and speculation surrounding the working relationship between Tank Davis and Coach Calvin Ford. There had been some confusion after Tank’s comments regarding Coach Ford’s involvement in his future fights, with some fans questioning their bond.
Ellis cleared up the misunderstanding, stating, “People don’t really know where this stuff is coming from. Tank and Calvin were never separated. When Tank said, ‘We’ll see’ about Coach Calvin being in his corner, it wasn’t meant to cause any confusion or drama. It’s nobody’s business, but there’s no issue there at all.” Coach Kenny stressed the depth of their relationship, adding, “They’re family, and that bond will always be there.”
Ellis also made it clear that Tank and Coach Calvin’s connection goes beyond just a trainer and fighter relationship, emphasizing their deep-rooted trust and loyalty. “Tank and Coach Calvin have been through a lot together. It’s not just about boxing—it’s a lifetime bond.”
On Jalil Hackett’s Loss:
Shifting focus to Jalil Hackett’s recent loss, Coach Kenny was quick to express his disappointment with the outcome but defended his fighter’s performance. “The decision was a tough one to swallow. We felt like we won that fight. The whole world saw what happened—the scoring was biased, the commentators were biased. We came in to fight the favorite, and we still believe we edged it out,” Ellis said.
Despite the controversial decision, Coach Kenny remains proud of Hackett’s effort, acknowledging that while he did a lot of what was expected, there’s always room for improvement. “Jalil did a lot of what we trained for, but he’s still learning. He’s only 21, and he’s got another 10-15 years in the game to refine his skills. We’re still working and growing with every fight,” he said.
Coach Kenny also confirmed that Jalil Hackett is in good spirits after the loss and is already focusing on his future. “He took some time off to take care of family matters, but he’s doing well. We’re looking ahead, and Jalil is eager to get back in the ring as soon as possible,” Ellis shared. He added that Hackett would be back to work soon, with a target for early next year.
Looking Ahead:
When asked about Jalil’s future, Coach Kenny was optimistic. “Same old, same old—Jalil’s coming right back. There won’t be any long breaks. He’s ready to get back to work and make sure he’s better next time. We’re not stopping.”
As for Tank Davis and Coach Calvin, Coach Kenny reiterated that fans can expect continued success and growth. “Both of them are focused on the bigger picture. They’ve been through a lot together, and they’ll keep pushing forward.”
Coach Kenny’s Final Thoughts:
In closing, Coach Kenny expressed his gratitude for the support Jalil Hackett and his team have received. “We’re learning and improving every day. We’ve got big things ahead, and this is just the beginning for Jalil,” he said, hinting that Hackett’s best is yet to come.
As for the boxing world, Coach Kenny’s message was clear: “Stay tuned, because there’s more to come from both Jalil and Tank. They’re coming back stronger, and the best is yet to come.”
