Destiny had something in store! In an exciting bout this month, WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis faced WBA super featherweight champion Lamont Roach Jr. for their lightweight title bout and many predicted an easy victory by Davis; instead ‘The Reaper’ provided an unexpected challenge that showcased skill, power and tactical intelligence on par with Davis himself – leading many people who believed he had outdone him to declare it a majority decision draw against Roach Jr. as they expected an easy win from Davis! It ended up surprising many who thought Davis outshowed Roach Jr despite many believing he outboxed him.
Roach Jr. provided an important turning point during the ninth round, when his combination caused Davis to take a knee quickly afterwards — an action widely seen as being knocked down. Referee Steve Willis began counting but it was interrupted as Davis sought assistance for what he claimed were impaired eyes due to grease entering them from Roach Jr’s punches; therefore the failure of officializing this incident as a knockdown proved contentious, significantly altering its outcome — had it counted, Roach Jr might have secured himself an overwhelming unanimous victory win from Roach Jr’s side had count been officially recorded it would likely have increased Roach Jr’s chances.
The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) later investigated the incident following a formal complaint but decided against altering the draw’s outcome, even though they recognized errors made by Willis during the ninth round. Roach Jr.’s response to the decision was one of unsurprised disappointment, expressing his feelings on social media and noting both the acknowledged error and his resolve, teasing a potential rematch.
The commission’s explanation of “technical issues” preventing a timely review of the knee incident has been met with skepticism and outright denial from informed sources, alleging that ample footage was available for review well before the next round commenced. Despite these controversies, Roach Jr. is poised to prove his superiority in a more definitive manner in the ring, though plans for a rematch have yet to be confirmed.
NYSAC’s “Technical Issue” Claim Under Fire
NYSAC claims of “technical issues” impeding an immediate review of the ninth-round incident have been refuted by inside sources, according to whom multiple angles of footage were accessible instantly despite official statements regarding any limitations due to technology or otherwise preventing immediate review as previously indicated.
Fans have eagerly anticipated an conclusive second fight between Davis and Roach Jr. in which Roach Jr. attempts to cement his status once and for all; however, official confirmation and details regarding such an encounter remain to be announced.