Lamont Roach Jr. surprised many by choosing to fight Gervonta Davis despite having better money offers on the table. The boxer shared his thoughts in a recent interview with All The Smoke Fight, shedding light on his decision-making process.
Roach Jr. and Davis faced off in a controversial bout that left fans in an uproar. The match took an unexpected turn in the ninth round when Davis went to his corner, claiming eye irritation from a 'substance'. Referee Steve Willis didn't count it as a knockdown, and the judges didn't factor it into their scoring.
Many believed Roach Jr. deserved the win, leading to a public outcry. The New York Athletic Commission looked into the matter but couldn't change the outcome.
When asked about his choice to fight Davis, Roach Jr. explained:
"So when we really started talking business, that's when we started weighing our options for real. I had something on the table."
He made it clear that money wasn't his main motivation:
"For those who think I accept this fight for money, it was not like that, because I actually had a higher offer than the fight against Davis."
Roach Jr. saw the bigger picture beyond the paycheck:
"First of all, it's a mess. But second, look at what they're going to do, look at how they consider it now. The most dangerous fighters are some of the most dangerous in the world."
His decision seems smart in hindsight. Roach Jr. came close to beating Davis and earned respect from boxing experts. He's clearly aiming to cement his place among boxing's elite.
Meanwhile, Davis, known as "Tank", has been unusually quiet on social media since the fight. Rumors of a rematch are swirling, with June mentioned as a possible date. However, nothing's confirmed yet, and fans will have to wait for more details.
Roach Jr.'s choice to prioritize legacy over money shows his commitment to the sport. It'll be interesting to see how this strategy plays out for his career in the long run.
