A Controversial Moment
The boxing world was abuzz following Saturday’s highly anticipated lightweight clash between Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Lamont Roach. The fight, which many expected to be a one-sided affair given Davis’s reputation and Roach’s underdog status, ended in a surprising majority draw. However, the outcome was marred by a controversial moment in the ninth round when Davis voluntarily took a knee. This action, which could have been interpreted as a knockdown, led to a mandatory 10-count by referee Steve Willis. Despite this, Willis opted not to penalize Davis, a decision that ultimately affected the outcome of the fight. The issue has now prompted the New York State Athletic Commission to take a closer look at the footage to determine if the referee’s call was appropriate.
The Technical Glitch
On Monday, the New York State Athletic Commission issued a statement to MMA Fighting regarding the contentious moment. The commission revealed that a technical issue had prevented them from reviewing the real-time footage of the ninth round, which would have been crucial in determining whether Davis should have been penalized. As a result, they had to rely on the referee’s in-ring decision. "At this time, the New York State Athletic Commission is reviewing the matter involving Saturday’s match up between Lamont Roach and Gervonta Davis," the statement read. "During the round in question, following the commission’s request for the replay video, there was a technical issue preventing the commission from receiving it within the allotted time for review. Therefore, the referee’s in-ring decision was relied upon and the fight continued." This glitch has raised concerns about the reliability of the commission’s ability to make fair and immediate decisions during such critical moments in a fight.
Davis’s Explanation
In the aftermath of the fight, Davis provided an explanation for his unexpected action. He stated that "grease" from his hair was dripping down into his eyes, making it difficult for him to see clearly. According to Davis, he didn’t want to risk taking damage in the fight, so he effectively took a timeout to address the issue. While this explanation may seem reasonable on the surface, it has not quelled the controversy. The decision not to penalize Davis for taking a knee and potentially scoring a knockdown cost Roach the win. The judges scored the fight 114-114, resulting in a majority draw. Had Davis been penalized with a point deduction, the outcome would have likely been a majority decision in Roach’s favor.
Roach’s Reaction
For Lamont Roach, who entered the fight as a massive underdog, the controversy is particularly bitter. Despite the odds against him, Roach nearly pulled off a monumental upset, and the point deduction could have secured him a well-deserved victory. Roach has not remained silent about the issue. He is already pushing for a rematch with Davis, expressing his determination to set the record straight. Roach’s resilience and fighting spirit have been evident throughout his career, and this setback has only fueled his desire to compete again. "I came into this fight as an underdog, but I believe I outboxed him. I deserve another shot, and that’s what I’m going to fight for," Roach stated, reflecting the competitive nature of the sport and his own unwavering belief in his abilities.
Davis’s Openness to a Rematch
Surprisingly, Davis has also shown a willingness to face Roach again. In a tweet, the still undefeated fighter wrote, "And say no more. I’m pushing for the rematch … the rematch can be soon too, like end of May." This openness to a second bout is commendable and demonstrates Davis’s respect for Roach and the sport. It also suggests that Davis is confident in his skills and believes he can deliver a more convincing performance in a rematch. The potential for a second fight has generated excitement among fans, who are eager to see a more definitive outcome and perhaps witness Roach’s continued development as a boxer.
The Commission’s Move Forward
The New York State Athletic Commission is dedicated to ensuring the integrity of combative sports and has committed to working with all promotions and production teams to prevent such technical issues in the future. "The commission is dedicated to preserving the integrity of combative sports and is committed to working with all promotions and production teams—on behalf of the athletes, officials, and fans—to ensure technical issues do not occur in the future that prevent the delivery of ringside instant replay feeds to the commission’s officials when needed," the statement concluded. While the current review may not retroactively change the outcome of the fight, it is a step toward addressing the systemic issues that can affect the fairness and transparency of boxing matches. The commission’s proactive stance is essential in maintaining the trust of athletes, officials, and fans alike.
