In a highly anticipated bout at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. faced off in a match that concluded with a majority draw, leaving fans and analysts debating the outcome. The fight’s controversy has fueled Davis’s desire for a swift rematch.
The Fight and the Ninth-Round Controversy
Throughout the match, both fighters showcased their skills, with Davis initially leading on the judges’ scorecards. However, Roach mounted a strong comeback in the later rounds. A pivotal moment occurred in the ninth round when Davis took a knee after receiving a jab from Roach. Referee Steve Willis did not count this as a knockdown, a decision that has since been scrutinized. Davis attributed his action to hair grease irritating his eyes, stating, “I just got my hair done two days ago and she put grease in my hair. When I was sweating and things like that, it burned my eyes.”
The final scores reflected the bout’s competitiveness: one judge scored it 115-113 in favor of Davis, while the other two judges had it even at 114-114. The non-call in the ninth round was significant; had it been ruled a knockdown, Roach might have secured a victory.
Calls for a Rematch
Both fighters have expressed interest in a rematch to settle the disputed outcome. Davis acknowledged Roach’s abilities, saying, “Lamont is a great fighter. He got the skills, like I said before, he got punching power. It was a lesson. Hopefully, we can run it back.”
Roach, feeling he had done enough to win, also welcomed the idea of another fight, stating, “I definitely thought I won but we could run it back.”
Investigation and Potential Outcomes
The New York State Athletic Commission has launched an investigation into the ninth-round incident, citing technical issues that prevented an in-fight review. Depending on the findings, the fight’s result could be overturned, adding another layer of intrigue to the situation.
Looking Ahead
Davis, who had previously hinted at retirement, now plans to continue his career and is pushing for the rematch to occur by the end of May. Organizing such an event on short notice presents challenges, but both fighters’ eagerness suggests that fans might not have to wait long for a definitive conclusion to this rivalry.
