Gervonta Davis’ hairstylists hit out at claims they put too much grease on his hair

Boxing is a sport where every move, every decision, and every moment is analyzed and debated. But rarely does a fighter’s hair grease become the focal point of controversy. Yet, that’s exactly what happened during Gervonta “Tank” Davis’ most recent fight. In what should have been a night celebrating his performance in the ring, Davis instead found himself at the center of an unexpected dispute—one that involves his hairstylist, social media backlash, and even an official investigation into the fight’s outcome.

With fans, fighters, and analysts all weighing in, the situation has quickly escalated into one of the most talked-about moments in recent boxing history. Here’s everything you need to know about the Gervonta Davis hair grease controversy, the ninth-round incident, the fallout, and the larger implications for boxing.

What Happened? The Ninth-Round Incident That Sparked Controversy

On fight night, Gervonta Davis squared off against his opponent in what was expected to be a competitive and thrilling matchup. However, during the ninth round, something unexpected happened.

Davis, after receiving a jab, took a knee—a move that is almost always recognized as a knockdown. However, instead of the referee initiating a count, Davis was allowed to return to his corner, where he claimed that hair grease had gotten into his eye, causing him temporary vision problems.

This decision by the referee has sparked a major debate because, under normal boxing rules, taking a knee after a punch is typically ruled a knockdown, meaning his opponent would have been awarded an extra point. In a close fight, that one point could have changed the final result.

The Fallout: Fans and Analysts Question the Call

The moment immediately became a hot topic in the boxing world. Fans took to social media, questioning why the referee allowed Davis to recover instead of ruling the sequence as a knockdown.

Some of the major reactions and questions raised included:

• Should the knee have been considered a knockdown?
• Was Davis actually affected by hair grease, or was it an attempt to buy time?
• Why didn’t the referee call for an instant replay review?
• Did this moment ultimately change the outcome of the fight?

With millions of dollars, legacies, and future fights at stake, this one call has led to discussions about rule enforcement, instant replay, and fairness in boxing.

Gervonta Davis’ Explanation: Blaming Hair Grease

After the fight, Davis defended his actions, explaining that his eye irritation was caused by hair grease from his freshly styled hair. In a post-fight interview, Davis said:

“I just got my hair done two days ago, and she put grease in it. When you’re sweating and things like that, the grease came into my face and burned my eyes.”

This explanation, however, was met with skepticism, with many questioning whether hair grease could truly impact a professional fighter in such a dramatic way.

Hairstylist Lee The Brand Fires Back at Critics

Davis’ hairstylist, known as Lee The Brand, was quickly pulled into the controversy. After fans began blaming excessive grease for the in-ring incident, Lee took to social media to defend their work.

On Instagram, Lee addressed the situation head-on, saying:

“I did his hair WEDNESDAY, it’s SATURDAY! He did press, gym, and weigh-in… Take a look around, do you see an overload of grease everywhere?”

The hairstylist’s statement suggests that if excessive grease had been an issue, it would have been noticeable earlier—during press events, training, or the weigh-in.

Adding further frustration, Lee continued:

“Gleebthebrand still ate those braids up, but don’t make my girl the reason for it being a draw.”

Essentially, Lee is arguing that their hairstyle had nothing to do with the fight’s outcome and that the controversy shouldn’t be used as an excuse for the fight’s result.

Social Media and Celebrity Reactions

The incident quickly became a trending topic, with fans, athletes, and analysts sharing their opinions.

• Angel Reese, the LSU basketball star, took to Twitter/X to joke about the situation, saying:

  “I knew it 😭🤣 that grease gon do it every time.”

• Shannon Sharpe, the outspoken sports analyst, criticized boxing’s current state, arguing that moments like this take away from the sport’s legitimacy.

• Many boxing fans and former fighters voiced their opinions, with some calling for instant replay usage in future fights to prevent similar controversies.

Official Investigation: Could the Fight Result Change?

Amid all the backlash, the New York State Athletic Commission announced that they were launching an investigation into the ninth-round incident.

Key issues being reviewed include:

• Why wasn’t the knee ruled a knockdown?
• Was there a failure in instant replay procedures?
• Could the fight’s result be overturned based on an officiating error?

If officials determine that a mistake was made, there’s a possibility that the fight could be re-scored or even overturned—a rare but not unheard-of decision in boxing.

What This Means for Boxing Moving Forward

This controversy highlights several key issues in boxing that need to be addressed:

1. The Need for Clearer Rules on Knees in the Ring

Davis taking a knee was a gray area, and this moment proves that boxing needs a more consistent approach to handling such situations.

2. Instant Replay Must Be Used Properly

The fact that replay wasn’t used immediately raises concerns about whether officials are equipped to make the right calls in critical moments.

3. Fighter Accountability

Some believe that Davis should take responsibility for his actions rather than blaming external factors like hair grease.

What’s Next for Gervonta Davis?

Despite the controversy, Davis remains one of the biggest names in boxing. Whether or not the fight result is changed, he’ll likely move forward with big-money matchups in the near future. However, this incident will follow him for a long time, and fans will be watching closely to see how he responds in his next fight.

Final Thoughts: A Night Boxing Won’t Forget

The Gervonta Davis hair grease controversy is one of those bizarre yet defining moments in boxing history. While it may seem small on the surface, it raises important questions about officiating, fighter responsibility, and the role of social media in shaping narratives around sporting events.

As the New York State Athletic Commission continues its investigation, fans are left wondering:

• Will the fight’s result change?
• Will Davis address the situation further?
• Will this lead to improved officiating and replay rules in boxing?

Regardless of the final outcome, one thing is clear: this is a moment that will be talked about for years to come.

With hair grease, instant replay debates, and a controversial non-knockdown, the Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. fight has cemented itself as one of the most unusual and talked-about boxing events of the year.