Gervonta Davis blames hair care products after draw, this is the blemish in Tank’s record

Gervonta “Tank” Davis, the reigning WBA lightweight champion, managed to retain his title despite a controversial draw against Lamont Roach in New York. The fight took an unexpected turn when Davis voluntarily took a knee in the ninth round, wiping hair dye product off his face. Roach and many others in the boxing world argued that this action should have been considered a knockdown, potentially altering the fight’s result. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what transpired and what it means for Davis’s career moving forward.

The Controversial Ninth Round

During the ninth round of the bout, Gervonta Davis suddenly dropped to one knee near his corner and leaned through the ropes, allowing his team to wipe his face. He later explained that grease from his hair product had gotten into his eyes, affecting his vision. Referee Steve Willis did not rule it as a knockdown, which sparked immediate debate. According to boxing regulations, if a fighter’s knee touches the canvas without being pushed down by an opponent’s punch, it is still typically considered a knockdown.

Lamont Roach immediately objected, stating, “That should have been ruled a knockdown. If it was counted, I would have won.”

The judges scored the fight as follows:

• One judge had Davis winning 115-113.

• The other two scored it a 114-114 draw.

With the fight declared a draw, Davis retained his WBA lightweight title, keeping his undefeated record intact.

The Rules on Voluntary Kneeling in Boxing

Boxing rules dictate that a knockdown is scored when a fighter’s knee touches the canvas. The only exception is if it results from a slip or another accidental occurrence. However, Davis voluntarily went down without a punch being landed, creating a gray area in officiating.

Fellow boxing champions, including Terence Crawford, expressed shock at the referee’s decision. Crawford stated, “I’ve never seen someone voluntarily take a knee and it not be considered a knockdown.”

This raises questions about consistency in refereeing and whether similar incidents in future fights could also go unpunished.

Did Davis’s Hair Product Really Affect His Performance?

In his post-fight interview, Gervonta Davis explained that the hair product he had used in preparation for the match had melted due to sweat, causing irritation in his eyes. This impacted his ability to see clearly, which is why he sought assistance from his team during the fight.

However, critics argue that a professional fighter at Davis’s level should have been better prepared. Roach and his team dismissed this as an excuse, emphasizing that a fight should not be paused for personal grooming issues.

Lamont Roach Demands a Rematch

Feeling robbed of what could have been the biggest win of his career, Lamont Roach immediately called for a rematch. “I respect Davis as a fighter, but I want a fair shot,” Roach stated. Given the controversy surrounding the match, many fans and analysts agree that a Davis vs. Roach rematch would be necessary to clear up any doubts.

Davis, for his part, seemed open to the idea. “Lamont is a great fighter, and he showed skill and power. Maybe we can run it back in New York,” he said.

Impact on Gervonta Davis’s Legacy

Although Gervonta Davis remains undefeated, this draw stands out as the only blemish on his otherwise perfect record. While some believe the controversy will blow over, others see it as a stain on his reputation. Fighters like Terence Crawford and other analysts have pointed out that such incidents could tarnish the credibility of championship fights if left unaddressed.

A rematch would not only offer Roach a chance at redemption but also give Davis an opportunity to prove his dominance without any questionable moments.

What’s Next for Gervonta Davis?

Davis’s next move will be crucial in shaping his legacy. If he takes the rematch, he has a chance to silence critics and reaffirm his dominance in the lightweight division. If he moves on to other challenges, the controversy might linger, with fans questioning whether the result was fair.

Possible next fights for Tank Davis include:

1. A rematch with Lamont Roach, which would settle the debate.

2. A unification bout with another top lightweight champion.

3. A move to a different weight class for new challenges.

Regardless of what he chooses, Davis will need to ensure that no further off-the-ring issues—such as hair products affecting his vision—interfere with his fights.

Boxing Community Reacts to the Controversy

Many professional boxers and analysts weighed in on the controversy. Several fighters expressed frustration that the rules were not applied consistently.

Former boxing champion Andre Ward remarked, “If you voluntarily go down, it should be a knockdown. This could set a dangerous precedent.”

ESPN boxing analyst Timothy Bradley added, “Davis is an elite fighter, but this situation doesn’t reflect well on him. If Roach had been given the knockdown, the result might have been different.”

Prominent trainer Freddie Roach (no relation to Lamont Roach) also weighed in, saying, “If the referee lets this slide, what’s stopping other fighters from doing the same when they need a break?”

A Closer Look at the Fight’s Statistics

Despite the controversy, Davis and Roach both displayed impressive skillsets. Here’s a statistical breakdown of the fight:

• Total punches landed: Davis 152, Roach 145

• Jabs landed: Davis 35, Roach 40

• Power punches landed: Davis 117, Roach 105

• Knockdowns: None officially recorded

The fight was competitive, with Davis slightly outlanding Roach in power punches but Roach having the edge in jabs. The controversy overshadowed what was otherwise a high-level bout between two talented fighters.

Public Opinion and Fan Reactions

The boxing fanbase was split in its reaction. Some believe Davis was fortunate to escape without a loss, while others argue that the ruling was fair given the circumstances.

On social media, debates raged about the integrity of the decision. One fan tweeted, “If any other fighter took a knee like that, it would be ruled a knockdown. Tank got lucky.” Another wrote, “Roach should demand a rematch. That was his moment, and it was taken away.”

Conversely, some defended Davis, stating, “It wasn’t a punch that knocked him down. The referee made the right call.”

Final Thoughts

The Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach fight will be remembered for its unusual controversy rather than pure boxing performance. While Davis keeps his WBA lightweight championship, questions remain about the officiating and the fairness of the result. With mounting pressure for a rematch, the boxing world eagerly awaits Davis’s next move.

A rematch would not only provide clarity but could also deliver an even more exciting showdown. Until then, the debate will continue over whether Davis truly deserved to retain his title or if Roach was unfairly denied his victory.