Lamont Roach Demands Justice After 9th Round Disaster: NYSAC Appeals Decision Not to Call Knockdown – Did Davis Escape Defeat or Did Roach Get Robbed of the Championship Belt?
The boxing world is in turmoil following the controversial decision in the ninth round of the title fight between Lamont Roach and Hector Luis Garcia. The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) is now under immense scrutiny as Roach and his team have formally appealed the decision that denied him a crucial knockdown. Fans and analysts are divided, with many believing that Roach was unjustly stripped of a potential victory and the championship belt.
The Controversial Ninth Round: What Really Happened?
The highly anticipated super featherweight title bout between Lamont Roach and reigning champion Hector Luis Garcia was shaping up to be a battle for the ages. Roach, known for his technical prowess and counterpunching ability, had been gaining momentum throughout the fight. By the time the ninth round arrived, he had managed to pressure Garcia, who appeared to be struggling to keep up with Roach’s relentless pace.
Then came the defining moment: Roach landed a crisp right hook that sent Garcia stumbling backward. As Garcia wobbled, he attempted to hold himself up by clinging to the ropes. The referee, however, ruled it as a slip rather than a legitimate knockdown. Roach’s team immediately protested the call, arguing that Garcia’s legs had buckled due to the force of the punch and that he would have gone down had the ropes not held him up.
Under standard boxing regulations, a fighter using the ropes to stay upright after a punch should be ruled as a knockdown. However, the referee did not see it that way, and Garcia was given a moment to recover without an official count. The round continued, and Garcia managed to regain his composure, ultimately surviving to retain his championship belt.
Did Hector Luis Garcia Escape Defeat?
The aftermath of the fight has left boxing fans questioning whether Garcia truly earned his victory or if he was saved by an officiating error. Lamont Roach and his supporters argue that the knockdown, if counted, could have shifted the momentum entirely in his favor. Roach had been aggressive and tactical throughout the fight, and a confirmed knockdown could have led to a stoppage or at the very least a 10-8 scoring round, potentially altering the final outcome.
Many analysts believe that the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) should have immediately reviewed the call using instant replay. With boxing now implementing modern review systems in many jurisdictions, failing to utilize them in such a high-stakes title bout has drawn widespread criticism.
If Roach had been awarded the knockdown and Garcia had struggled to recover, it is plausible that Roach could have capitalized on his advantage and secured a championship belt victory. Instead, Garcia retained his title, and Roach was left demanding justice.
The NYSAC’s Decision and the Appeal Process
Following the controversial ruling, Roach and his team swiftly filed an appeal with the NYSAC, demanding that the decision be reviewed and potentially overturned. Boxing commissions rarely change the outcome of fights unless there is an overwhelming amount of evidence proving an egregious mistake. However, Roach’s team believes they have a compelling case.
The appeal process involves reviewing the fight footage, gathering statements from referees and judges, and assessing whether the mistake significantly impacted the outcome of the fight. While overturning a decision is rare, it is not unprecedented. If the NYSAC determines that a clear error was made, they could rule the bout a no-contest or even mandate an immediate rematch.
Roach has been vocal about his frustration, stating, “I gave everything I had in that ring. That knockdown should have been counted. I should be the champion right now. I’m not going to stop fighting for what’s right.” His camp has also called for increased accountability in officiating, arguing that boxing needs a more consistent approach to reviewing controversial calls.
Fans and Experts Weigh In: Was Roach Robbed?
The boxing community has been divided over the incident. Some fans argue that Hector Luis Garcia was lucky to escape with his title, while others believe the referee made the right call. Boxing analysts, including former champions and trainers, have weighed in on the controversy.
Former world champion Andre Ward expressed his thoughts on the situation, stating, “I watched the replay multiple times. That was a knockdown. Roach deserved that count, and it could have changed everything.”
On the other hand, some experts believe that Garcia still had control of the fight overall and that the call—while controversial—did not necessarily mean Roach would have won. However, the general consensus is that such situations warrant immediate review and should not be left purely to subjective judgment in real-time.
What’s Next for Lamont Roach?
While Roach is determined to seek justice, he also faces the reality that he may have to earn his rematch the hard way. Even if the NYSAC does not overturn the decision, Roach has already proven that he is a formidable contender in the super featherweight division.
One possibility is that Garcia, feeling the pressure of controversy, agrees to a rematch to silence doubters. Another option is that Roach takes on another top contender to solidify his claim for a title shot. Either way, his performance in the fight has only elevated his reputation and demonstrated that he belongs among the elite in the division.
Will Boxing Learn From This Controversy?
This incident has reignited discussions about officiating in boxing and the need for a more robust review system. Other major sports, such as the UFC and NFL, have integrated video replay effectively to minimize errors in crucial moments. Boxing, however, has been slow to adopt such measures consistently.
The New York State Athletic Commission has yet to announce a final decision on the appeal, but the outcome could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future. If Roach is successful in his appeal, it could push boxing organizations worldwide to implement clearer guidelines for instant replay use in controversial moments.
Conclusion: Justice for Roach or a Lesson in Boxing Politics?
The ninth-round controversy between Lamont Roach and Hector Luis Garcia has left the boxing world debating the fairness of officiating and whether Roach was robbed of the championship belt. With an appeal pending, Roach remains determined to fight for what he believes is rightfully his.
Whether or not the NYSAC changes the outcome, one thing is certain—Roach’s career has been propelled into the spotlight, and the boxing community will be closely watching how this situation unfolds. If nothing else, this fight has underscored the importance of transparency and fairness in a sport where split-second decisions can change the course of history.
For now, all eyes are on the NYSAC’s final verdict. Will justice be served, or will Roach be forced to move on, forever wondering what could have been?
