Gervonta “Tank” Davis, one of boxing’s most electrifying knockout artists, stepped into the ring against Lamont Roach Jr. in what was expected to be a dominant title defense. Instead, what unfolded was a controversial and hotly debated battle that ended in a majority draw, leaving fans, analysts, and fighters alike calling for an immediate rematch.

The fight was marred by a bizarre ninth-round incident in which Davis, after taking a punch from Roach Jr., turned away and walked to his corner, prompting referee Steve Willis to issue a warning. This moment, along with the closely contested rounds leading up to it, left many questioning the fairness of the decision and whether Roach Jr. had done enough to dethrone Davis.

This article breaks down the fight round by round, examines the controversy, and explores what comes next for both fighters in the wake of this highly disputed result.

Fighter Backgrounds: A Clash of Champions

Gervonta “Tank” Davis

Gervonta Davis, the reigning WBA Lightweight Champion, has long been known for his devastating knockout power and aggressive fighting style. Coming into this fight, he boasted an unbeaten record of 30 wins, with a staggering 28 knockouts.

Davis first made a name for himself by winning the 2012 Golden Gloves Championship, and since turning pro, he has built a reputation as one of the most feared punchers in boxing. His past victories over top-tier opponents like Leo Santa Cruz, Mario Barrios, and Ryan Garcia solidified his status as an elite fighter.

However, despite his dominance, some critics have questioned his ability to go the distance in high-level matchups. Against Roach Jr., he found himself in one of the toughest fights of his career.

Lamont Roach Jr.

Lamont Roach Jr. entered the fight as the WBA Super-Featherweight Champion, moving up a division to challenge for Davis’s lightweight title. Roach Jr. has long been considered a highly skilled and disciplined boxer, known for his precision punching, counter-striking ability, and strong ring IQ.

A 2013 Golden Gloves Champion, Roach Jr. has steadily climbed the ranks of professional boxing. He may not have the knockout power of Davis, but his technical prowess and ability to control the pace of a fight make him a formidable opponent.

Facing Davis was the biggest challenge of Roach Jr.’s career, and many believed he was stepping into deep waters against the bigger, stronger champion. However, as the fight unfolded, it became clear that Roach Jr. was more than capable of competing at the lightweight level.

Fight Breakdown: A War in the Ring

Rounds 1-4: Feeling Each Other Out

The early rounds saw both fighters testing each other’s timing and range. Davis, as expected, pressed forward aggressively, looking for power shots, while Roach Jr. stayed on the outside, utilizing his jab and lateral movement.

Roach Jr. was particularly effective in rounds two and three, landing clean counterpunches while avoiding Davis’s bigger shots. Davis, known for his patience despite his knockout-heavy style, remained composed but found it difficult to land a decisive punch early on.

Rounds 5-8: Momentum Shifts

As the fight progressed into the middle rounds, Roach Jr. gained confidence, landing crisp, precise punches that disrupted Davis’s rhythm. His counterpunching strategy forced Davis to be more cautious, and for the first time in the fight, Davis appeared slightly frustrated.

Despite this, Davis remained dangerous, landing a few powerful left hooks that kept Roach Jr. from becoming too aggressive. Both fighters had their moments, but Roach Jr. arguably edged out some of these rounds with his cleaner, more technical boxing.

Round 9: The Controversial Moment

The ninth round was the turning point in the fight—and one of the most debated moments of Davis’s career.

Midway through the round, Roach Jr. landed a solid punch that appeared to stagger Davis. Instead of responding immediately, Davis turned away, walked to his corner, and signaled for his team to wipe his face.

Referee Steve Willis quickly stepped in, warning Davis that such an action could be ruled a knockdown. Many observers felt that Roach Jr. should have been awarded a knockdown, as Davis turned away following a legal punch.

After the fight, Davis explained that grease from his hair had dripped into his eye, causing him to momentarily lose vision. He stated, “I just got my hair done two days ago, and she put grease in it. When you’re sweating, the grease came into my face and burned my eyes.”

Despite the explanation, many fans and analysts felt that Davis should have been penalized, as fighters are expected to fight through such issues unless a doctor stops the fight.

Rounds 10-12: A Strong Finish

The final rounds saw both fighters pushing hard for a definitive finish. Davis became more aggressive, knowing that the fight was closer than expected. He landed a few strong combinations, while Roach Jr. continued to box smartly, avoiding any major damage.

The final bell rang with both fighters raising their hands, believing they had done enough to win.

The Decision: A Majority Draw

When the judges’ scorecards were read, the decision shocked many fans:

Judge 1: 115-113 for Davis
Judge 2: 114-114 (Draw)
Judge 3: 114-114 (Draw)

With two judges ruling the fight a draw, Davis retained his title, but the result left both fighters unsatisfied.

Post-Fight Reactions

Gervonta Davis’s Response

Initially, Davis seemed hesitant about a rematch. However, as the controversy grew, he later took to social media, stating, “Say no more. I’m pushing for the rematch.”

Lamont Roach Jr.’s Response

Roach Jr. expressed frustration with the decision, stating, “I know I did enough to win. I hope we can run it back and settle this once and for all.”

The Boxing Community’s Verdict

Many boxing experts and fans felt that Roach Jr. should have been awarded a knockdown in Round 9, which could have swung the fight in his favor. The New York State Athletic Commission reviewed the incident but ultimately upheld the original decision due to a lack of conclusive video evidence.

What’s Next? A Rematch is Inevitable

Given the controversial nature of the fight, a rematch between Davis and Roach Jr. seems necessary. Here’s why:

The Ninth-Round Controversy Needs Resolution Many believe Roach Jr. should have been credited with a knockdown. A rematch would provide a chance to settle the debate.
Fans Want a Clear Winner: The draw left fans unsatisfied. Both fighters have unfinished business.
Roach Jr. Deserves Another Shot  Moving up in weight, Roach Jr. proved he belongs at the elite level. A second fight would allow him to prove himself again.
Davis Needs to Solidify His Legacy  If Davis wants to silence critics, he needs a convincing win in a rematch.

Final Thoughts: A Must-See Rematch

The first fight between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. was one of the most controversial boxing matches in recent memory. While Davis retained his title, the majority draw left more questions than answers.

Both fighters have expressed interest in running it back, and fans are eagerly awaiting an official announcement. With so much at stake, the rematch could prove to be even more intense and decisive than the first encounter.

For now, boxing fans are left wondering: Will Tank prove his dominance, or will Roach Jr. complete the upset he nearly pulled off? One thing is certain—the world will be watching.