Gervonta 'Tank' Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. fought to a majority draw on March 1, 2025. The bout left fans and experts scratching their heads due to a controversial moment in the ninth round.
During that round, Roach landed a three-punch combination that sent Davis to one knee. Referee Steve Willis didn't count it as a knockdown. He decided in the heat of the moment that no punch directly caused Davis to go down.
Davis explained later that hair grease had dripped into his eyes, messing up his vision for a bit. But according to boxing rules, any time a fighter takes a knee, the ref should start a count unless an illegal move caused the fall.
The WBA stood by the referee's call. But Roach's team wasn't happy. They filed an appeal with the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC). They want the fight ruled in Roach's favor. They also claim Davis should have been disqualified for getting help from his corner that wasn't allowed.
Greg Smith, Roach's lawyer, sent a letter to NYSAC's executive director. He asked for an official review of what happened. He also wants them to look into whether Davis' trainer, Calvin Ford, broke the rules by wiping Davis' face during the fight. If true, that could be grounds for disqualification.
"We believe the referee made a crucial error in not counting the knockdown," Smith stated in the letter. "Furthermore, the actions of Mr. Davis' corner may have given him an unfair advantage. We're asking for a thorough investigation into both matters."
Both fighters seem keen on a rematch. It could happen as early as May. Fans are eager to see if Roach can grab the win he thinks he should have gotten the first time around.
"I know I won that fight," Roach said at the post-fight press conference. "I dropped him clean in the ninth. Everyone saw it. I'm ready to do it again and leave no doubt this time."
Davis, for his part, brushed off the controversy.
"It was a tough fight, but I don't think I was ever in real trouble," he said. "If they want a rematch, I'm game. I'll show everyone why I'm still the best in this division."
As the boxing world waits for the NYSAC's decision, one thing's for sure – the next chapter in this rivalry will be must-see TV.
