Gervonta Davis, already one of the most talked-about figures in boxing, found himself under intense scrutiny after his controversial fight with Lamont Roach Jr. on March 1st, 2025. Despite the New York State Athletic Commission’s (NYSAC) upholding the draw, debates surrounding officiating, favoritism, and Davis’ actions in the ring continue to dominate boxing discussions. Davis’ actions, specifically a knee taken in the ninth round, have raised questions about fairness and the influence of politics in the sport.

The Knee Heard Around the Boxing World: What Really Happened?

The biggest moment of controversy occurred in the ninth round when Davis took a knee, explaining afterward that it was due to sweat mixed with grease blinding him. However, many skeptics, including boxing analyst Paulie Malignaggi, suspect that the knee was a result of a clean shot from Roach that forced Davis down. This sparked a flurry of debates about whether Davis was genuinely hurt or whether he was using the situation to regain some control over the fight. The real shocker came when referee Steve Willis began counting but inexplicably stopped upon realizing that the timekeeper wasn’t tracking the time properly. Malignaggi believes this pause allowed Davis to dictate the pace, a luxury that most fighters don’t receive.

Referee Decisions Under Fire: Was Davis Given Special Treatment?

As the fight unfolded, even more controversial moments emerged. Davis used a shoulder barge in the clinch without receiving a warning, while Roach was immediately reprimanded for responding in kind. According to Malignaggi, this discrepancy highlighted the political influence in boxing. “This is the politics we’re dealing with. It’s frustrating,” he remarked, further suggesting that some fighters may be afforded more leniency due to their star power. If this continues, Davis’ fight results could be influenced by more than just his performance in the ring, but the decisions made by the officials too.

Is Gervonta Davis the Patrick Mahomes of boxing?

The comparisons between Gervonta Davis and NFL star Patrick Mahomes are becoming increasingly common. Boxing analyst Mac Mally stirred the pot by likening Davis’ treatment in the ring to how quarterbacks, especially Mahomes, are protected by the rules in the NFL. Just as Mahomes benefits from rules that make it harder for defenders to hit him, Davis seems to be receiving similar treatment, according to some analysts. Paulie Malignaggi quickly agreed with this comparison, noting that just as the NFL altered its rules after Tom Brady’s season-ending injury in 2008, Davis appears to be in a position where the rules seem to bend in his favor, allowing him more freedom in the ring.

Malignaggi quipped, “Now with Mahomes, you might as well make it two-hand touch,” drawing attention to how athletes in both sports might receive unfair advantages. This suggestion has stirred up the conversation about whether Davis’ dominance is partly due to preferential treatment from officials, much like Mahomes’ protection on the field. The question now looms: Is Davis’ rise to the top of boxing aided by factors outside of his raw talent?

Terence Crawford Weighs In: Roach Denied Victory?

The conversation didn’t stop with analysts. Boxing champion Terence Crawford was among those who felt that Lamont Roach was unjustly denied a victory. Taking to social media, Crawford voiced his frustration, stating, “I never seen someone take a knee, and they don’t count it as a knockdown. Must’ve forgotten the rules for tonight.” Crawford’s comments resonate with the growing belief that Davis may have received favorable treatment during the match.

Crawford further supported his stance by referencing an iconic moment in boxing history. He recalled Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s 2001 fight against Carlos Hernandez, during which Mayweather’s glove briefly touched the canvas due to a hand injury. Despite Hernandez not landing a punch, the referee ruled it a knockdown. Crawford’s comparison highlights how the referee’s discretion can sometimes lead to questionable decisions, which only fuels the ongoing debate about the March 1st fight.

The Road to a Rematch: Will the Officiating Be Fair?

As speculation builds around a potential rematch between Davis and Roach, many wonder if the officiating will be fair. The cloud of favoritism that hangs over the first encounter makes it hard to ignore the possibility of history repeating itself. Fans and analysts alike are left questioning whether Davis’ star power will continue to play a role in how his fights are officiated. Will the rematch be a true test of Davis’ boxing skills, or will controversial calls continue to overshadow his performance in the ring?

Looking Ahead: The Legacy of Gervonta Davis

As Gervonta Davis continues to rise in the ranks of boxing, his controversial March 1st clash with Lamont Roach Jr. will likely remain a point of contention. While some will view him as a dominant force in the sport, others will always wonder if the scales are tipped in his favor. Davis has already earned a reputation as one of the best in the game, but how much of that reputation is built on his actual in-ring performances versus the political advantages he may have received from officials?

With eyes already on a potential rematch, fans are eager to see whether Davis can silence his critics and prove that his talent and heart are what truly make him a boxing legend. But for now, the debate rages on: Is Gervonta Davis the Patrick Mahomes of boxing, or is he simply a product of a system that favors the stars? Only time will tell.

The Price of Stardom: Will Gervonta Davis’ Reputation Suffer?

As Gervonta Davis continues to climb the ranks of boxing, the stigma surrounding his controversial fights may begin to affect his legacy. While his talent is undeniable, the growing concerns over the favoritism he receives in the ring may tarnish his reputation in the long run. Critics argue that being protected by officials or benefiting from questionable calls could ultimately damage the public’s perception of Davis as a true champion. Whether Davis can rise above the noise and prove that his skills are the true driving force behind his success will be one of the key storylines in his career moving forward.