The first fight between Davis and Roach took place on March 1 at the Barclays Center in New York. The bout ended in a split decision draw, but it wasn't without its share of drama. In the ninth round, Roach landed a stiff jab that forced Davis to take a knee. However, referee Steve Willis didn't count it as an official knockdown, adding fuel to the post-fight discussions.
The controversial ending left fans and pundits alike calling for a rematch, and it looks like they'll get their wish. While the fight hasn't been officially announced yet, it's reportedly been finalized for August, pushed back a couple of months from the original June date.
This rematch could be the biggest fight of both fighters' careers. Davis, known as "Tank," will look to prove himself after the draw, while Roach, "The Reaper" from Washington, aims to capitalize on his strong showing in the first bout.
Claressa Shields, the undisputed middleweight champion, has weighed in on the upcoming rematch. She believes Roach will come out on top this time around.
"Roach will be even better in the rematch. Davis needs to get his fear out of the way. He's frustrated with other parts of his life, and it's affecting his performance in the ring."
Shields even suggested that therapy might help Davis overcome his issues and perform at his best.
As August approaches, both fighters will be looking to make adjustments based on their first encounter. Roach, at 29, will aim to build on the success he found in the initial bout. Davis, on the other hand, will need to address any lingering frustrations and focus on his in-ring performance.
Boxing fans are eager to see if this rematch will provide a clear winner and put to rest any doubts left by the controversial first fight. With both fighters having something to prove, it's shaping up to be an exciting clash in the lightweight division.