Some things just aren’t meant to be! Earlier this month, WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis and WBA super featherweight champion Lamont Roach Jr. went toe-to-toe for Davis’ lightweight strap. What was expected to be an easy night for ‘Tank’ turned into a grueling battle that pushed him to his limits. ‘The Reaper’ matched Davis’ skills, power, and ring IQ, ultimately forcing the Baltimore native to settle for a majority decision draw.
Despite entering as the ultimate underdog, Roach Jr. looked a step ahead of the so-called ‘face of boxing,’ convincing many that he deserved the win. However, the most controversial moment of the fight came in the ninth round. Roach Jr. landed a clean combination on Davis, who then took a knee—an action widely seen as a knockdown.
Referee Steve Willis initially began the mandatory ten-count, but Davis ran to his corner to have his face wiped by his team. Despite the clear knockdown, Willis did not officially score it as one, a decision that directly impacted the final result. Had the knockdown been counted, Roach Jr. would have won via unanimous decision.
Davis later claimed that grease from his hair had trickled into his eyes, affecting his vision. This prompted the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) to investigate. However, they later revealed that due to a “technical issue,” they were unable to review the incident during the fight.
When the NYSAC announced their decision not to overturn the draw, it sent shockwaves through the boxing world, especially since they acknowledged Willis’ mistake during the incident. Roach Jr., who had urged the commission to rule in his favor, finally broke his silence on the matter. “I’m not surprised about the decision by the NYSAC.,” he wrote on X.
I’m not surprised about the decision by the NYSAC. A lil disappointed, yea. Especially when they ACKNOWLEDGED the fact that Steve made the wrong calls in the 9th round. But I wasn’t banking on the overturn. Everyone know I won the fight and I’m satisfied with that. Part 2 otw
— Lamont Roach Jr (@OneOf1x) March 8, 2025
“A lil disappointed, yea. Especially when they ACKNOWLEDGED the fact that Steve made the wrong calls in the 9th round,” he continued. “But I wasn’t banking on the overturn. Everyone know I won the fight and I’m satisfied with that. Part 2 otw.” Now, all eyes are on a potential rematch, where Davis and Roach Jr. will have the chance to settle the score once and for all.
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