In a night filled with drama, controversy, and high-stakes boxing, Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. battled to a majority draw in a thrilling lightweight title fight at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The sold-out crowd of 19,250 fans witnessed a closely contested match that ended with mixed reactions, as Davis retained his WBA lightweight championship despite a less-than-dominant performance.
This fight had it all: a slow start, a controversial knockdown, and a late surge from both fighters. In this article, we’ll break down the key moments, analyze the controversy, and explore what this result means for both fighters moving forward.
The Fight: A Breakdown of the Action
The fight began with Davis, known for his explosive power and knockout ability, taking his time to find his rhythm. Roach, on the other hand, came out aggressive, refusing to back down from the heavily favored champion.
Early Rounds: Roach Takes the Initiative
- Round 1-3: Roach pressed the action, landing crisp jabs and keeping Davis on the defensive. Davis, known for his patience, seemed content to wait for openings rather than force the action.
- Round 4-6: Davis began to find his range, targeting Roach’s body with powerful hooks. However, Roach’s movement and counterpunching kept the fight competitive.
Middle Rounds: The Fight Heats Up
- Round 7-8: The fight intensified as both fighters traded heavy shots. Roach stunned Davis with a counter right hand in the eighth round, signaling that he was not going away quietly.
- Round 9: The Controversial Knockdown
- In a bizarre moment, Davis took a knee after being touched by a jab. Referee Steve Wilkes did not rule it a knockdown, a decision that would later spark debate.
- Davis claimed that grease from his hair had gotten into his eye, causing him to take a knee. Roach argued that the rules should have resulted in a knockdown.
Championship Rounds: Davis Pushes for the Win
- Round 10-12: Sensing the fight might be slipping away, Davis increased his activity, landing several power shots. However, Roach’s resilience and counterpunching ensured the fight remained close until the final bell.
The Decision: Majority Draw
When the judges’ scorecards were read, the result was a majority draw:
- Two judges scored the fight 114-114.
- One judge scored it 115-113 in favor of Davis.
ESPN’s unofficial scorecard also had the fight even at 114-114.
What This Means
- Davis retains his WBA lightweight title but leaves the ring with questions about his performance.
- Roach, though disappointed, proved he belongs among the elite in the lightweight division.
The Controversy: The Ninth-Round Knockdown
The most talked-about moment of the fight came in the ninth round when Davis took a knee after being touched by a jab. Here’s why it sparked controversy:
Davis’ Explanation
- Davis claimed that grease from his hair had gotten into his eye, causing him to take a knee. He stated, “I just got my hair done two days ago, and she put grease in my hair. When I was sweating, it burned my eyes.”
Roach’s Argument
- Roach argued that the rules should have resulted in a knockdown. “If you take a knee and the ref starts counting, it should be a knockdown,” Roach said. “If that’s a knockdown, I win the fight.”
Referee’s Decision
- Referee Steve Wilkes chose not to rule it a knockdown, a decision that could have significantly impacted the fight’s outcome.
CompuBox Punch Stats
The fight was a close one, as reflected in the punch stats:
| Category | Davis | Roach |
|---|---|---|
| Total Landed | 103 | 112 |
| Total Thrown | 279 | 400 |
| Percentage Landed | 36.9% | 28% |
| Jabs Landed | 10 | 25 |
| Jabs Thrown | 69 | 148 |
| Percentage Landed | 14.5% | 16.9% |
| Power Punches Landed | 93 | 87 |
| Power Punches Thrown | 210 | 252 |
| Percentage Landed | 44.3% | 34.5% |
What’s Next for Davis and Roach?
Gervonta Davis
- Record: 30-0-1 (28 KOs)
- Future Opponents: Davis will likely look for a big-name opponent to reestablish himself as the face of boxing. Potential matchups include Devin Haney, Shakur Stevenson, or a rematch with Ryan Garcia.
- Key Takeaway: Davis’ slow start and inability to secure a knockout raised questions about his dominance. He’ll need a strong performance in his next fight to silence critics.
Lamont Roach Jr.
- Record: 25-1-2
- Future Opponents: Roach proved he belongs in the lightweight division. A rematch with Davis or a fight against another top contender like Vasiliy Lomachenko could be next.
- Key Takeaway: Roach’s performance earned him respect and recognition. He’s now a legitimate contender in the lightweight division.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The fight sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with fans and analysts debating the decision and the controversial knockdown.
- “Davis didn’t look like the Tank we know. Roach brought the fight to him!”
- “That knockdown should have been called. Roach got robbed!”
- “Davis needs to step up his game. This wasn’t the performance of a pound-for-pound great.”
- “Roach proved he’s elite. Give him the rematch!”
Conclusion
The Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. fight was a rollercoaster of emotions, ending in a controversial majority draw. While Davis retained his title, Roach’s performance left a lasting impression, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division.
The ninth-round knockdown controversy will undoubtedly be a talking point for weeks to come, and fans are already calling for a rematch. Whether or not that happens, one thing is clear: both fighters have a lot to prove, and the lightweight division just got a lot more interesting.
