In the aftermath of a contentious bout that ended in a majority draw, Gervonta “Tank” Davis has expressed his desire for a rematch against Lamont Roach Jr. The March 1 fight at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center left fans, analysts, and officials questioning the outcome, particularly due to a controversial incident in the ninth round.
Controversial Ninth Round Incident
During the ninth round, Davis unexpectedly took a knee following a jab from Roach. Referee Steve Willis did not count this as a knockdown, allowing Davis to retreat to his corner. The reason given was that Davis had been dealing with an unusual issue—grease from his hair had allegedly dripped into his eyes, causing irritation. This moment sparked controversy, with many wondering if Davis was given an unfair advantage.
Davis later explained the situation in the post-fight press conference, saying, “I just got my hair done two days ago, and she put grease in it. When you’re sweating and things like that, the grease came into my face and burned my eyes. It wasn’t a knockdown. It was something that affected my vision.”
The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) is currently investigating the incident, citing a “technical issue” that prevented an instant replay review at the time. The commission released a statement saying, “We are committed to ensuring that such technical issues do not occur in the future and are reviewing the circumstances surrounding this fight.”
Gervonta Davis Calls for a Rematch
Initially, Davis seemed hesitant about an immediate rematch. However, after receiving backlash from fans and boxing analysts, he changed his stance. “I want the rematch soon, like end of May,” Davis stated in a recent interview.
Roach, on the other hand, has remained vocal about his frustration with the outcome, believing that the uncounted knockdown cost him the victory. “If the knockdown had been scored, I would have won unanimously. There’s no doubt in my mind,” Roach said.
WBA’s Potential Mandate
The World Boxing Association (WBA) is expected to step in and order a rematch. WBA President Gilberto Mendoza has suggested that Davis may risk losing his title if he refuses to fight Roach again. “We are considering mandating a rematch to uphold the integrity of the sport,” Mendoza stated.
With the NYSAC investigation ongoing, the boxing world is eagerly awaiting a decision. If the rematch is ordered, it would give both fighters a chance to settle the controversy and reaffirm their positions in the lightweight division.