The boxing world was rocked when Gervonta Davis faced Lamont Roach Jr. last year in a thrilling bout that ended in a controversial majority draw. The fight, which took place on March 1 in New York, was packed with intense moments and left fans divided, especially after the ninth-round incident where Davis took a knee. What followed—referee Steve Willis’ actions, the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) review, and the appeal from Roach’s legal team—has sparked widespread debate on whether the right call was made. Was Roach robbed of victory? Or did the referee make the right decision by not ruling the knee as a knockdown?

The Shocking Ninth-Round Controversy

In the ninth round, after a combination of punches landed from Roach, Davis was seen taking a knee before quickly running to his corner. He received assistance from his coach, Calvin Ford, who wiped his face before Davis continued to fight. Referee Willis began a ten-count but stopped once Davis resumed, not officially scoring a knockdown. This action was questioned by many, as it is customary for a knockdown to be called when a fighter goes down or takes a knee after receiving a blow.

Following the incident, the NYSAC stated that there was a “technical issue” that delayed a review, but they upheld the decision after Roach’s team appealed. They acknowledged that the knee should have been ruled a knockdown but added that it would not have changed the outcome of the fight. The explanation, however, failed to satisfy many boxing enthusiasts, who believed that Roach was unfairly deprived of a victory.

Abel Sanchez Defends Davis and Challenges the Knockdown Call

Legendary trainer Abel Sanchez threw his weight behind Gervonta Davis, stating that the knee incident was not a violation and did not necessitate a knockdown call. Sanchez argued that Davis didn’t turn his back in an act of surrender but was merely reacting to irritation in his eyes caused by hair grease, not a punch. According to Sanchez, such occurrences were not uncommon, and a knee in the middle of a fight should not be penalized if it wasn’t a direct result of a knockdown.

Sanchez’s defense of Davis was clear—he pointed out that Davis had not quit, nor had he been overwhelmed by Roach’s punches, adding that the fighter’s actions were within the rules. “It’s like when you get a thumb in the eye, it’s a pop,” he said, downplaying the controversy. This stance has been met with mixed reactions, with some agreeing that Davis had not intentionally quit, while others argue that the knee should have been counted as a knockdown.

Roach Jr. Reacts to the NYSAC Ruling

For Lamont Roach Jr., the ruling was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite fighting bravely and nearly causing an upset, the NYSAC’s decision left him disappointed but not entirely surprised. “I’m not surprised about the decision by the NYSAC,” Roach tweeted, expressing his discontent. However, he also expressed satisfaction with his performance, claiming, “Everyone knows I won the fight.”

Roach acknowledged that the NYSAC had admitted the referee’s error, which only added fuel to the fire. “Especially when they acknowledged the fact that Steve made the wrong calls in the ninth round,” Roach remarked. His confidence in his victory has kept his spirit strong, and he remains hopeful for a rematch with Davis, where both fighters can prove who truly deserves to be crowned the winner.

The Future of Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach Jr.: What’s Next?

The boxing world is eagerly awaiting Gervonta Davis’ next steps. Will he agree to a rematch with Lamont Roach Jr.? Fans are clamoring for a clear resolution, and many believe that the controversial decision only fuels the desire to see these two fighters face off once again in the ring.

Meanwhile, Roach Jr. has already set his sights on securing a future bout with Davis. His statement, “Part 2 otw,” indicates his commitment to getting a fair fight where no controversial decisions would overshadow the outcome. The possibility of a rematch between these two talented fighters has become one of the most anticipated events in boxing, with fans and analysts alike eager to see how the fight will unfold this time.

Was Lamont Roach Jr. robbed? The Final Verdict

At the heart of the controversy is the question: Was Lamont Roach Jr. robbed of a victory due to the non-knockdown call? While some believe that the NYSAC ruling was justified, others argue that the controversial knee incident should have been a knockdown that could have shifted the momentum in Roach’s favor. With Abel Sanchez defending Davis’ actions and Roach expressing his frustration, the debate continues to simmer.

It’s a pivotal moment for boxing—a moment that calls for clarity in the rules and perhaps a re-examination of how incidents like these are handled by referees and athletic commissions. Whether the ruling was fair or not, one thing is clear: fans want answers, and they want the chance to see these fighters battle it out once more in a high-stakes rematch.

Conclusion: The Rematch That Could Change Everything

As the dust settles from the controversial fight, the stage is set for a rematch that could bring clarity and resolve the debate once and for all. The controversy surrounding Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. has undoubtedly shaken the boxing world, but it has also created a sense of anticipation for what could be one of the most intense rematches in recent boxing history. Will Roach finally get the victory he feels he deserves, or will Davis prove once again why he’s one of the most feared fighters in the sport? Only time will tell.

Fans and analysts alike are on the edge of their seats, waiting for the next chapter in this heated saga. Stay tuned for more updates as the rematch looms on the horizon, promising fireworks and fierce competition in the ring.