Gervonta 'Tank' Davis Defends His WBA Lightweight Title Against Lamont Roach Jr. This Saturday

WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) is set to defend his title and unbeaten record against WBA junior lightweight champion Lamont Roach on Saturday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Known for his knockout power, Davis has only logged 138 professional rounds since making his debut in 2013. He captured the WBA lightweight title in 2017 with a victory over Yuriorkis Gamboa and later claimed the WBA super lightweight belt in 2021 by defeating Mario Barrios.

Lamont Roach Jr. (24-1-1, 9 KOs) is moving up in weight to challenge for the lightweight crown after securing the WBA super-featherweight title. Recognized for his strong defensive skills, Roach Jr. lacks significant knockout power, with just nine stoppages in 26 fights.

Lamont Roach Jr. is fully aware of the weight disadvantage and power gap he faces against undefeated three-division champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis. The Reaper has only suffered one loss in his career, falling to Jamel Herring six years ago. While Herring is a formidable puncher, Roach Jr. will have to contend with an even greater level of firepower when he steps into the ring with Davis.

During an extended interview with PPV.COM’s Jim Lampley at the fighter workouts held at the legendary Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn on Wednesday, Roach expressed his intent to test Davis’ power and exploit his tendency for slow starts to make the 135-pound champion regret it.

“I’m feeling like Mike Tyson today,” Roach told Lampley. “I want to make it a fight where I’m comfortable in any style. I’m very adaptive and comfortable in any style. I want to make him think and adapt. My right hand is Thor’s hammer and I believe it will be very effective.” “It heightens the intensity of the rivalry because there’s a natural tension between D.C. [where Roach resides] and Baltimore [Davis’ hometown],” Roach said. “We’re so close, but so different. They don’t want to be part of the DMV and we don’t count them as a part of us.” 

Roach also carries the frustration of two amateur losses to Davis. “Oh yeah, that’s up my alley there, that really means a lot to me. This is fumed on competition and I’m glad we have that … as we showcase our skills again,” Roach said. “I want to come out the winner on the world stage, showcasing our skills again. I want to come out the winner and I’ve been doing everything I can to show that. “This is the first time revenge has been a part of my fight. Outside the ring, he’s cool. He has personal vendettas with a lot of people but he and I have no issues. No slip-ups, no run-ins.”

However, his competitive spirit has driven him to undergo the most meticulous preparation possible for this fight. “It’s going to be a long night for him if he starts slow. I’m a throwback fighter who could fight for 15 rounds if I needed. I don’t just say that to sound cool … .” “My defense is – what’d Mike Tyson say - impregnable,” Roach said of answering Davis’ punching power he describes as “God-given.” “I’m very versatile in there and my punch selection is one of my strong points. I can punch and carry my punch. I got the will of 1,000 men, I’m a servant to God, I’m a boxing fan and I’ll make this exciting for everyone.”

Both Davis and Roach Jr. possess impressive boxing skills, but Davis holds a distinct advantage in punching power. Having knocked out several high-caliber opponents in his career, it seems unlikely that Roach Jr. will be able to take this fight the full distance. All signs point to another knockout victory for Davis.