A Surprising No Knockdown
Devin Haney, the talented lightweight boxer, was as taken aback as many others by the controversial no knockdown call in the ninth round of Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis’ recent bout against Lamont Roach. The fight took place last Saturday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, and despite the clarity of the situation, referee Steve Willis chose not to count the moment when Tank Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) hit the canvas. Instead, he allowed Davis to walk back to his corner to have his eyes toweled off, a decision that left many fans and analysts scratching their heads.
Historical Context and Personal Perspective
Haney, known for his insightful commentary and deep understanding of the sport, shared his thoughts with Ring Magazine, providing a unique perspective on the fight. "I always knew Lamont wasn’t coming to lay down. I’ve been knowing Lamont since we were kids. So, we came up through the amateurs together," Haney said, emphasizing the personal history he shares with Roach. This background adds a layer of empathy and respect to his analysis, as Haney is acutely aware of Roach’s capabilities and determination. "I knew Lamont was serious and coming in there to fight, but I thought he did a lot better than I thought he did. I thought he won the fight," Haney added, reflecting on Roach’s surprising performance.
The Ninth Round Controversy
The no knockdown in the ninth round was particularly egregious, as Haney pointed out, "The no knockdown, that was unheard of. That’s the first time I’ve ever seen in with my own two eyes." When Davis took a knee, it was a clear sign that he was in trouble. In such a situation, standard protocol would have been to start a count, but Willis’ decision to let Davis recover without scoring the knockdown was baffling. This unusual call effectively allowed Davis to avoid the consequences of a significant blow and continue the fight, ultimately leading to a majority draw.
Fairness and Star Treatment
The implications of this decision have raised questions about fairness and the treatment of high-profile boxers. Many in the boxing community believe that if Roach had taken a similar knee and walked back to his corner, the referee would have counted it as a knockdown and possibly even waved off the fight. Roach, a less celebrated figure compared to Davis, would likely not have been afforded the same leniency. "It’s a really tough situation. When you see a superstar get that kind of treatment, it makes you wonder about the consistency of rulings," Haney remarked, highlighting the double standards that can sometimes plague the sport.
Roach’s Appeal and the Commission’s Response
Lamont Roach, feeling deeply wronged by the outcome, has since appealed to the New York State Athletic Commission, hoping they will review the decision and potentially change the result. Roach believes that the ninth round incident should have been ruled a knockout, which would have given him the victory and the recognition he felt he deserved. "I did everything right, and then this happens," Roach lamented in a post-fight interview. Surprisingly, the commission is taking an unusually long time to make a decision, leaving Roach and his supporters in a state of anxious anticipation. This delay has only added to the frustration and criticism surrounding the event.
The Future of Fair Play in Boxing
The controversy surrounding the Davis vs. Roach fight serves as a stark reminder of the importance of consistent and fair officiating in boxing. While Tank Davis remains the WBA lightweight champion, the legitimacy of his title and the integrity of the sport are now under scrutiny. "We need to have a serious conversation about these kinds of calls. Boxing is already tough enough without these kinds of issues," Haney concluded, calling for a thorough review and reform to ensure that such incidents do not detract from the sport’s competitive spirit and fairness. The boxing community awaits the commission’s decision with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that will restore faith in the sport’s oversight.
