The Controversial Draw
On March 1st, 2024, Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) stepped into the ring in Brooklyn, New York, for a 12-round fight against Lamont Roach. The highly anticipated bout ended in a majority draw, a result that left the boxing world in disbelief. The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) opted not to overturn the decision, despite the evident errors made by the referee in the ninth round, where Tank Davis took a knee and should have lost that point. This controversial outcome has left a mental asterisk on Tank’s otherwise flawless record, a stain that many fans and critics will not forget.
The Case for a Rematch
The boxing community is overwhelmingly in favor of a rematch. The high Pay-Per-View (PPV) numbers from their first encounter indicate that fans are eager to see Tank Davis and Lamont Roach face off again. This demand is not just about settling the score; it’s about restoring Tank’s reputation. A win in a rematch would quiet the doubters and reaffirm his status as one of the best in the sport. Tank himself needs this victory to regain his self-confidence and to prove that his previous performance was an anomaly. For a fighter of his caliber, a defeat—no matter how controversial—can be a lingering torment that affects his future performances.
The Impact on Marketability
Moving on from this fight without a rematch would be detrimental to Tank Davis’s marketability. His popularity and the financial incentives tied to his fights are heavily influenced by his performance and public perception. A loss, even a controversial one, can erode the trust of his fan base and potential pay-per-view buyers. Tank needs to address this issue head-on to maintain his value in the boxing world. A strong showing in a rematch would not only solidify his status but also ensure that he remains a top draw for future fights.
The Timing of the Rematch
It’s crucial that Tank Davis returns to the ring this year, rather than waiting until 2026 for a rematch with Roach. The interest generated by their first fight is still fresh, and the fans are eager to see a resolution. If he waits too long, the excitement will wane, and the PPV buys will decrease. Tank only fought once in 2024, and he needs to maintain his momentum by fighting at least twice in 2025. This will help keep him in the public eye and ensure that he remains a relevant and sought-after fighter.
Roach’s Perspective
Lamont Roach, for his part, seems content with the NYSAC’s decision not to overturn the results. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed his thoughts: "I’m not surprised about the decision by the NYSAC. A little disappointed, yeah, especially when they ACKNOWLEDGED the fact that Steve made the wrong calls in the 9th round. But I wasn’t banking on the overturn. Everyone knows I won the fight and I’m satisfied with that. Part 2 otw [on the way]." Roach’s confidence and satisfaction with the outcome highlight his belief in his performance and the justice of the original result. This adds another layer of complexity to the debate over the rematch, as both fighters have their reasons for wanting or not wanting a second bout.
The Future of Tank Davis
In the end, the decision to pursue a rematch with Lamont Roach is one that Tank Davis must make for himself. The boxing world will be watching closely, and the outcome of this decision will have significant implications for his legacy. A rematch offers a chance to vindicate himself and erase the doubts that have been cast on his record. However, he must also consider the mental and physical toll of another high-stakes fight. The path ahead is challenging, but for a fighter like Tank Davis, it is a challenge he is more than capable of facing.
