Davis, Roach fight to majority draw after knockdown controversy

 

Gervonta "Tank" Davis Retains Title After Majority Draw Against Lamont Roach Jr.

Gervonta "Tank" Davis' habit of slow starts nearly cost him on Saturday night, as his WBA lightweight title defense against Lamont Roach Jr. ended in a surprising majority draw at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. A sold-out crowd of 19,250 watched in shock as the fight concluded without a decisive winner.

Two judges scored the bout 114-114, while a third gave Davis a narrow 115-113 victory, allowing him to retain his title in a fight he may prefer to forget.

"Lamont is a great fighter," Davis said afterward. "He’s got the skills, he’s got punching power. It was a lesson. Hopefully, we can run it back."

A bizarre moment in the ninth round nearly shifted the fight’s momentum. Davis unexpectedly took a knee after a jab from Roach, but referee Steve Wilkes chose not to rule it a knockdown. Davis later explained that he had something in his eye.

"I just got my hair done two days ago, and they put grease in it," Davis said. "When I was sweating, it burned my eyes."

Despite the unusual circumstances, Davis walked away with his championship intact, though questions remain about a potential rematch.