March 12, 2025, Lamont Roach took to social media to express his belief that his recent performance against Gervonta "Tank" Davis demonstrated his status as a pound-for-pound talent. Roach also conveyed his eagerness for a rematch with the undefeated WBA lightweight champion.
The bout between Roach and Davis, held at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, concluded in a controversial majority draw. The judges scored the fight 115-113 in favor of Davis and 114-114 twice, allowing Davis to retain his title. The match was marred by a contentious moment in the ninth round when Davis voluntarily took a knee but was not subjected to a knockdown count by referee Steve Willis. This incident has been a focal point in discussions about the fight's outcome.
Roach's performance exceeded many expectations, as he consistently pressured Davis and landed effective shots throughout the fight. CompuBox statistics revealed that Roach out landed Davis in total punches, connecting 112 out of 400 thrown, compared to Davis's 103 out of 279.
Controversial Ninth Round Incident
The ninth round's controversy arose when Davis took a knee, citing irritation from hair grease dripping into his eyes. Referee Steve Willis initiated a count but then halted it, allowing Davis's corner to address the issue without penalizing him. According to boxing regulations, a voluntary knee should result in a knockdown, leading to a 10-8 round in favor of the opponent. Had this been enforced, Roach might have secured a victory. Roach addressed this incident post-fight, stating. Both fighters have expressed interest in a rematch to settle the disputed outcome. Davis acknowledged Roach's skills and conveyed his willingness to face him again, saying, Hopefully they can run it back in New York. Roach echoed this sentiment, expressing his desire for a definitive victory in a subsequent bout. He remarked
Impact on Pound-for-Pound Rankings
The controversial draw has had significant implications for Davis's standing in the boxing community. Ring Magazine removed Davis from its pound-for-pound rankings following the bout, with David Benavidez taking his place. This development underscores the gravity of the fight's outcome and highlights Roach's impressive performance against a previously top-ranked fighter. Lamont Roach's recent social media declaration reflects his confidence in his abilities and his determination to secure a rematch with Gervonta Davis. The initial bout's controversial conclusion has intensified discussions within the boxing community, with many advocating for a second encounter to establish a definitive victor. Both fighters' expressed interest in a rematch suggests that fans may soon witness another chapter in this compelling rivalry
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