Gervonta Davis Facing Backlash After Controversial Knee Incident: Oscar De La Hoya’s Shocking Verdict!

The boxing world has been in turmoil following Gervonta Davis’s controversial decision to take a knee during his recent WBA lightweight title defense against Lamont Roach. In the aftermath of this contentious moment, Oscar De La Hoya, the legendary former champion and founder of Golden Boy Promotions, has expressed his thoughts on the situation, strongly suggesting that Davis should have faced a point deduction.

The Incident That Sparked Outrage

Gervonta Davis defended his title on Saturday night against Lamont Roach in a match that ultimately ended in a majority draw. The judges scored the bout 114-114 (twice) and 115-113 in favor of Davis. However, there was one defining moment that left fans and analysts questioning the fairness of the match. In the ninth round, Davis appeared to take a knee, an action that many felt disrupted the flow of the fight.

The decision was made to not call it a knockdown, and referee Steve Willis did not penalize Davis for taking a knee. Instead, Davis returned to his corner to have his face wiped. This caused an uproar in the boxing community, with many speculating that Roach had been robbed of his rightful moment. Some believed that if the point deduction had been applied, Roach could have been crowned the new WBA lightweight champion.

De La Hoya’s Strong Opinion on the Matter

Oscar De La Hoya, known for his no-nonsense approach to the sport, weighed in on the incident during a segment of DAZN’s Ariel x Ade: The Boxing Show. He voiced his strong opinion that Gervonta Davis should have had a point deducted for taking a knee. De La Hoya’s reasoning was clear: “In any sport, you can take a timeout, whether it’s football or basketball, but not in boxing. There are three minutes for a reason, and a referee is there for a reason,” said the Golden Boy.

De La Hoya elaborated, emphasizing that the rules of the fight should have led to an immediate point deduction for Davis: “If you go by the rules in New York, then that should be a point. Davis took a knee, went to his corner, and took time off, which by the rules should have warranted an automatic point deduction.”

He also remarked that, despite the controversy, the draw result was acceptable. He acknowledged that it had been a competitive fight, with Lamont Roach performing admirably. However, De La Hoya suggested that, based on the official rules, Roach should have emerged as the victor, particularly with the point deduction in play.

Lamont Roach’s Exceptional Performance

De La Hoya was quick to praise Lamont Roach for his outstanding performance in the ring. “Look, Gervonta Davis is a great fighter, but he met his match in Lamonte Roach. Roach showed incredible skill and grit in the ring that night, and he definitely earned the respect of boxing fans and experts,” De La Hoya continued.

In his eyes, the fight was balanced, but the outcome could have swung in Roach’s favor had the point deduction been applied to Davis. This incident has ignited a wider conversation about the importance of adhering to boxing’s strict rules, especially in a high-profile championship bout.

The New York State Athletic Commission Review

In the aftermath of the controversial event, the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC), which oversaw the fight, issued a statement to address the controversy. According to the commission, they would be reviewing the non-knockdown call, especially given that their video replay system failed to function properly on the night of the fight.

This review could have significant implications. If the commission determines that Davis’s actions warranted a point deduction, this could lead to a reversal of the draw and the possibility of Davis losing his unbeaten record. Furthermore, the WBA lightweight title could be awarded to Lamont Roach.

This investigation is stirring further drama and speculation within the boxing community, and fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome. Could the review change the entire trajectory of this fight, and might it cost Davis his title? Only time will tell.

Comprehensive Boxing Coverage and What’s at Stake

For boxing fans who are looking to stay up to date with the latest developments in this case and the sport in general, DAZN remains the go-to platform. Known for its comprehensive coverage of combat sports, DAZN brings over 185 fights per year from the biggest promoters worldwide, including Matchroom, Queensberry, and Golden Boy.

A DAZN subscription offers more than just live fights; it also includes exclusive access to documentaries, interviews, weekly boxing shows, training camps, press conferences, and more. Whether you are a die-hard boxing fan or a casual observer, DAZN offers something for everyone.

As the investigation into the Davis-Roach fight continues, fans are hoping for a swift resolution. If the New York State Athletic Commission rules that Davis’s actions warranted a point deduction, it could spark significant changes in the world of boxing, making this a moment worth following closely.

What’s Next for Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach?

The Gervonta Davis knee controversy has opened up a massive debate within the boxing world about the integrity of the sport and the importance of strict adherence to its rules. As Oscar De La Hoya suggests, when it comes to boxing, the rules must be followed, and no fighter should be allowed to take shortcuts, especially in a title fight. The New York State Athletic Commission’s upcoming review will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on both Davis’s unbeaten record and the WBA lightweight title.

Will Lamont Roach be crowned the rightful champion? Will Gervonta Davis lose his undefeated status? Stay tuned as this developing story continues to captivate the boxing world.

The Impact of the Controversy on Gervonta Davis’s Reputation

Regardless of the final decision from the New York State Athletic Commission, the controversy surrounding Gervonta Davis’s actions has undoubtedly left a stain on his reputation. Known for his dominant performances in the ring, Davis now finds himself under scrutiny, with fans and analysts questioning his sportsmanship and adherence to the rules. The debate over the knee incident has sparked wider conversations about fairness in boxing and how small actions can influence a fighter’s legacy. If Davis is found to have benefited unfairly, it could impact his standing as one of the best in the sport today.