Lamont Roach Jr. Made Gervonta Davis Not Perfect Anymore

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Gervonta “Tank” Davis has long been regarded as one of the most dominant fighters in boxing. His knockout power, defensive skills, and ability to control fights have made him a feared champion. However, on March 1, 2025, the boxing world witnessed an unprecedented moment—Davis walked away without a victory for the first time in his career.

In a dramatic showdown at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Davis faced Lamont Roach Jr., a highly skilled and strategic opponent. The result? A majority draw that shocked fans, analysts, and fighters alike. While Davis retained his WBA lightweight title, the fight raised serious questions about his future dominance.

Let’s break down the fight, the statistics, the controversy, and what comes next for both fighters.

A Different Kind of Opponent

Since reaching championship status, Davis had proven nearly unstoppable. Before Roach Jr., only one fighter had ever taken him the full 12 rounds—Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz. Cruz, known for his relentless aggression and iron chin, managed to withstand Davis’s power but ultimately lost on the scorecards.

Roach Jr., however, came with an entirely different approach. Instead of brawling, he mirrored Davis’s own style—stalking, counterpunching, and waiting for openings. His patience and strategic mindset created a chess match rather than an all-out war.

This strategy caught Davis off guard, leading to one of the most competitive fights of his career.

Fight Statistics: A Close Battle

The fight stats tell a compelling story of how evenly matched both fighters were:

Gervonta Davis:
- Landed 103 of 279 punches (37% accuracy)
- Power punches: 93 of 210 (44% accuracy)
- Jabs: 10 of 69 (14% accuracy)
Lamont Roach Jr.:
- Landed 112 of 400 punches (28% accuracy)
- Power punches: 87 of 252 (35% accuracy)
- Jabs: 25 of 148 (17% accuracy)

While Roach Jr. threw significantly more punches, Davis’s accuracy—especially in power punches—remained superior. The fight was a test of volume versus precision, making the judges’ decision all the more controversial.

The Ninth-Round Controversy

The most talked-about moment of the fight came in Round 9.

Roach Jr. landed a jab, and Davis took a knee in the middle of the round. The referee, Steve Willis, did not rule it a knockdown, leading to outrage from Roach’s team and many in the boxing community.

After the fight, Davis claimed that hair grease dripped into his eyes, impairing his vision and forcing him to take a knee. “I had to stop and clear my eyes,” Davis explained.

Many believed this was an excuse, while others felt the referee should have called it a legitimate knockdown. Had that ruling been made, it could have changed the final score.

The Judges’ Scorecards

When the final bell rang, the scorecards were as follows:

115-113 Davis
114-114 Draw
114-114 Draw

This resulted in a majority draw, keeping Davis’s undefeated record intact but leaving fans unsatisfied.

For Roach Jr., it was a moral victory. He had not only stood toe-to-toe with Davis but arguably deserved the win.

Post-Fight Reactions: Mixed Emotions

The fight’s outcome sparked heated debates within the boxing world.

Canelo Álvarez’s Criticism

Mexican boxing superstar Canelo Álvarez didn’t hold back. He criticized the referee’s decision to ignore Davis’s knee and even suggested disqualification due to the involvement of Davis’s corner during the moment. “A champion shouldn’t be given special treatment,” Álvarez said.

Terence Crawford Supports Roach Jr.

Welterweight king Terence Crawford also sided with Roach Jr., believing the underdog had done enough to win. “He stuck to his game plan and frustrated Davis all night,” Crawford remarked.

Davis Acknowledges His Weak Performance

Even Davis himself admitted he wasn’t at his best. He cited the hair product issue and even the lack of ring girls, which he claimed made it hard for him to know what round it was. “I just wasn’t locked in the way I usually am,” Davis said.

Roach Jr. Demands a Rematch

Lamont Roach Jr. felt robbed of a career-defining win and immediately called for a rematch. “I won that fight. Everyone saw it. Let’s run it back,” Roach Jr. declared.

What This Means for Davis’s Legacy

This fight changed the perception of Gervonta Davis.

While he remains undefeated, two things are now clear:

Fighters with a strong chin and a tactical approach can neutralize Davis’s power.
Davis is not untouchable.

Isaac Cruz showed it by going the full 12 rounds. Now, Roach Jr. has proven it again. If Davis wants to maintain his dominance, he will need to adapt and refine his strategy against opponents who don’t just walk into his punches.

Lamont Roach Jr.: A Star Is Born

For Roach Jr., this fight was his coming-out party.

He entered the ring as an underdog but left as a serious contender. His ability to match Davis’s skills, avoid major damage, and push the fight to a draw elevated his stock significantly.

Boxing fans now see Roach Jr. as a legitimate force in the lightweight division, and big fights are sure to come his way.

Will There Be a Rematch?

The demand for a rematch is huge.

Davis needs it to silence critics and prove the draw was a fluke.
Roach Jr. wants it to get the official win he feels he already earned.
Fans want it because it was one of the most intriguing fights in recent history.

Negotiations are already rumored to be in progress, and a rematch in late 2025 could be a massive pay-per-view event.

Final Thoughts

The Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. fight was a defining moment in boxing.

For Davis, it was a wake-up call that he needs to adapt his game. For Roach Jr., it was a star-making performance that showed the world he belongs among the elite.

Whether or not we get a rematch, one thing is certain—this fight changed the lightweight division forever.