In the world of professional boxing, the old saying goes, "there are no timeouts." This principle generally applies to the fighters in the ring, but during the recent WBA lightweight title bout, Gervonta Davis challenged that notion in a surprising turn of events. Early in the ninth round of the match on Saturday night, Davis made a controversial move by turning away from his opponent, Lamont Roach, taking a knee, and allowing his co-trainer, Calvin Ford, to wipe an unknown substance from his eyes—a substance that should never have been applied before a fight. This incident raised significant questions about the rules of the sport and the responsibilities of both fighters and officials.
Referee Steve Willis, who was officiating the bout, should have taken a point from Davis for this infraction. Had he done so, Davis would have faced the likelihood of losing a split decision to Roach. This incident serves as an essential reminder for Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) about the importance of adhering to the rules of boxing, especially when he has enjoyed such success in his career. His recent behavior suggests a growing comfort with operating outside the established norms, which could jeopardize his standing as a top-tier boxer.
In professional boxing, it is crucial for fighters to remain focused on the task at hand—defeating their opponent—rather than getting distracted by personal grooming or elaborate entrances. Historical examples, such as Paulie Malignaggi's fight in 2008, illustrate the importance of remaining composed and adhering to the rules. Malignaggi's cutman played a critical role in his victory, and similarly, Davis' corner should have adhered to the regulations set forth by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC).
Following the fight, Davis accepted some responsibility for his actions, admitting that he lost track of the rounds and was unaware that his conduct violated the rules. However, the incident in the ninth round left many in the boxing community questioning how it could have unfolded without penalty. Steve Willis, a part-time standup comedian, appeared more focused on the optics of the situation rather than enforcing the rules, which could have led to a pivotal disqualification.
The NYSAC, responsible for overseeing the integrity of boxing events, bears some responsibility for this oversight. Executive Director Matt Delaglio, who was present ringside, should have recognized the severity of the situation and initiated an instant replay review. The ability to review questionable moments during a fight is essential for maintaining the sport's integrity and ensuring fair outcomes.
As a result of the controversial draw, Roach (25-1-2, 10 KOs) is left contemplating what could have been. Had the NYSAC acted to review the ninth-round incident, Roach could have gained a significant victory over Davis, enhancing his leverage in future negotiations. The draw means that Davis is still seen as the unbeaten WBA lightweight champion, while Roach is left with a result that may not reflect the true nature of the fight.
Moving forward, the importance of boxing promoters and officials cannot be overstated. If those in attendance—especially those representing the "B side" of high-profile fights—fail to advocate for their fighters, they risk detrimental outcomes. Roach has expressed that he is a promotional free agent but maintains a business partnership with Garry Jonas, who could have played a more active role in communicating with the commission about the need for a replay review.
Fortunately for Roach, Davis is likely to exercise his immediate rematch clause, included in their contracts by TGB Promotions. This upcoming rematch, anticipated for this summer, will not only provide Davis with a chance to prove himself but will also allow Roach to showcase his skills in front of a supportive crowd. The stakes will be high as both fighters prepare for what promises to be a significant event in the boxing world.
In conclusion, the controversial draw between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach serves as a critical lesson for all involved in professional boxing. The need for strict adherence to the rules, the importance of oversight by officials, and the responsibility of promoters are essential to maintaining the integrity of the sport. As fans eagerly await their rematch, it remains crucial for all parties to ensure that such incidents are not overlooked in the future.
