Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis: a Lamont Roach rematch won’t be next, haters

Gervonta “Tank” Davis has been one of boxing’s most electrifying and controversial figures in recent years. Known for his explosive power, aggressive style, and ability to sell out arenas, Davis has made headlines yet again—not just for his in-ring performance, but for his recent decision to turn down an immediate rematch with Lamont Roach Jr.

Following their highly anticipated showdown on March 1, 2025, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, fans and analysts have been debating whether a rematch should be in order. The fight ended in a majority draw, a result that left many questioning the judging and refereeing decisions. Despite the controversy, Davis has made it clear that a second bout with Roach Jr. is not in his immediate plans.

The Controversial First Fight: What Happened?

The build-up to Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. was filled with anticipation. Davis, an undefeated knockout artist, entered the fight as the heavy favorite, while Roach Jr., a talented and technically skilled fighter, was seen as a dangerous but lesser-known opponent. However, what transpired in the ring was far from the one-sided fight many had predicted.

Rounds 1-6: A Tactical Battle

The opening rounds saw Davis pressing the action, looking to impose his power on Roach Jr. However, the challenger proved to be a difficult puzzle to solve. Roach Jr. utilized his jab effectively, keeping Davis at a distance and countering whenever the champion attempted to close the gap. Davis landed several powerful shots, but Roach Jr.’s defense and movement allowed him to stay in the fight.

Rounds 7-9: The Turning Point

As the fight progressed into the later rounds, Roach Jr. began to grow in confidence. His jab was landing with greater consistency, and he even managed to stun Davis with a sharp combination in the eighth round. Then came the moment that has been the subject of controversy ever since: the ninth-round knockdown—or lack thereof.

Roach Jr. landed a crisp jab that caused Davis to take a knee. Under normal circumstances, this would be ruled a knockdown, giving Roach Jr. an extra point on the scorecards. However, referee Steve Willis did not rule it as such. Instead, Davis claimed that grease from his hair had gotten into his eye, causing momentary discomfort and forcing him to kneel.

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

Rounds 10-12: A Close Finish

The final rounds were tightly contested, with both fighters having their moments. Davis, known for his finishing ability, attempted to land a knockout shot, but Roach Jr. remained composed, sticking to his game plan. The fight ended with the judges’ scorecards reading 115-113 for Davis and two scores of 114-114, resulting in a majority draw.

The controversial non-call in the ninth round led many to believe that Roach Jr. should have been awarded the win. Had the knockdown been counted, it’s likely that Roach Jr. would have taken the victory, handing Davis the first loss of his career.

Why Won’t Gervonta Davis Accept a Rematch?

In the aftermath of the fight, many expected an immediate rematch to be announced. Roach Jr. and his team were vocal about their belief that they deserved the win, and fans were eager to see a definitive outcome. However, Davis has stated that a rematch with Roach Jr. is not a priority.

1. Davis Wants Bigger Fights

One of the main reasons Davis is unwilling to run it back with Roach Jr. is that he has his sights set on bigger names. Fighters like Devin Haney, Shakur Stevenson, and Teofimo Lopez all present major challenges and would likely bring in more pay-per-view revenue.

Davis knows that his name carries weight in the boxing world, and he wants to maximize his earnings and legacy by facing opponents who will elevate his status.

2. The Controversy Benefits Him

Despite the backlash surrounding the ninth-round controversy, Davis has not lost his title, nor has his undefeated record been tarnished. In his mind, there’s no reason to risk a rematch when he already holds the championship belt.

3. He Believes He Won the Fight

Davis has downplayed the controversy, arguing that he was never truly in danger against Roach Jr. and that he did enough to win. While fans and analysts may disagree, Davis’s confidence in his own ability makes him less inclined to revisit a fight that didn’t go as planned.

Lamont Roach Jr.’s Response: Demanding a Rematch

Roach Jr. and his team have been vocal in their push for a rematch, arguing that the ninth-round incident robbed them of a victory.

“I did everything I needed to do to win that fight,” Roach Jr. stated in a post-fight interview. “If the referee does his job, I’m the new WBA champion. It’s as simple as that.”

Roach Jr. has continued his campaign for a rematch, calling on fans and boxing organizations to pressure Davis into accepting the fight. The WBA could even mandate a rematch, forcing Davis’s hand. If Davis refuses, he could be stripped of his title, which would add another layer of drama to the situation.

What’s Next for Both Fighters?

With Davis currently uninterested in an immediate rematch, the question becomes: What’s next for both fighters?

Gervonta Davis’s Options:

1. Devin Haney – The undisputed lightweight champion would be a massive challenge and a huge money fight.

2. Shakur Stevenson – Another undefeated star, Stevenson’s defensive skills could pose problems for Davis.

3. Teofimo Lopez – A former champion with knockout power, Lopez vs. Davis would be an explosive matchup.

Lamont Roach Jr.’s Next Steps

1. Push for a Rematch – Roach Jr. can continue lobbying for the WBA to mandate a rematch.

2. Fight Another Top Contender – If Davis refuses to fight, Roach Jr. may have to face another top-ranked opponent to earn another shot at the title.

3. Move Up or Down in Weight – Depending on opportunities, Roach Jr. could explore other divisions for championship fights.

Final Thoughts: Will We See a Rematch?

While Davis has made it clear that a rematch is not his immediate priority, the boxing world has a way of forcing fighters into matchups they initially resist. If the public demand for a rematch continues to grow, and if the WBA steps in, Davis may have no choice but to give Roach Jr. another shot.

Until then, both fighters will have to navigate their next steps carefully. For Davis, the goal remains securing his legacy and making the biggest fights possible. For Roach Jr., the mission is clear: prove that he belongs among the elite and get another shot at the belt he believes he won.

The story isn’t over yet, and as we’ve seen in boxing time and time again, anything can happen.