The New York State Athletic Commission has announced that it is currently reviewing the controversial events surrounding Saturday’s Gervonta Davis versus Lamont Roach WBA lightweight title fight held in Brooklyn. This bout has raised significant questions regarding officiating and the integrity of the sport.
In Round 9 of the match, Gervonta Davis, a prominent figure in the boxing world with an impressive record of 30 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw (28 KOs), took a knee following a punch from Roach. Referee Steve Willis initiated the count, but abruptly halted it after reaching three, failing to classify it as a knockdown. Had the referee adhered to the rules and deemed it a knockdown, Lamont Roach would have emerged victorious via decision.
Instead, the fight ended in a draw, which was particularly surprising considering Davis was a heavy favorite at -2000 according to ESPN BET. The judges’ scores reflected the tension of the match, with two judges scoring it 114-114 and a third favoring Davis at 115-113.
During the critical round, a technical glitch prevented the New York State Athletic Commission from receiving the requested replay video in time for review. A spokeswoman for the commission confirmed this issue, leading to reliance on the referee’s in-ring judgment, which ultimately allowed the fight to proceed without further intervention.
The commission has stated its commitment to maintaining the integrity of combative sports and is determined to collaborate with promotions and production teams to ensure that such technical difficulties are avoided in future events. This dedication aims to guarantee that ringside instant replay feeds are accessible when required.
After the bout, Gervonta Davis explained that his decision to take a knee was due to grease from a hair treatment that had caused irritation in his eyes. Notably, he was permitted to have his corner wipe his eyes with a towel during the round, a practice that is typically against the rules. Only the referee holds the authority to pause the action for such issues.
This incident marks the second significant controversy involving the New York State Athletic Commission in the past year. In April, a match between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney was declared a no contest after Garcia tested positive for a banned substance, resulting in a one-year suspension and substantial fines.
In light of these events, Ryan Garcia took to social media, questioning whether the commission only takes action upon complaints. He suggested that if his victory was overturned, Roach should also be awarded the win. Following the bout, Roach (record: 25-1-2) expressed that if the referee had ruled it a knockdown, he would have won the fight, emphasizing the need for consistent officiating standards.
Looking ahead, Davis has indicated his desire for a rematch, suggesting a timeline as soon as late May. This rematch clause was included in their bout contract, potentially setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash between the two fighters.
Currently, Lamont Roach remains the WBA titleholder at 130 pounds and is rated No. 5 by ESPN in the junior lightweight division. Meanwhile, Gervonta Davis holds the position of No. 1 lightweight and ranks No. 8 in the pound-for-pound category.
