Lamont Roach’s legal team seek justice and request a revised decision win for Roach after controversial fight with Gervonta Davis

The boxing world is buzzing after a controversial bout between Lamont Roach Jr. and Gervonta “Tank” Davis, which ended in a majority draw at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The result has sparked intense debate, with Roach’s team formally appealing to the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) for a reconsideration of the outcome.

At the heart of the dispute is a highly contentious ninth round, in which Roach appeared to knock Davis down. However, the referee did not count it as an official knockdown, leading to frustration from Roach’s corner and many fans. Adding to the controversy, Davis later claimed that an irritant from his hair gel had dripped into his eyes, impairing his vision and forcing him to take a knee.

Now Roach’s legal team is arguing that the fight’s official result should be changed. They have proposed three possible resolutions to the NYSAC:

1. A TKO victory for Roach via disqualification, citing that Davis voluntarily withdrew from the fight by taking a knee.
2. A TKO victory for Roach via disqualification, based on the argument that an illegal irritant (hair gel) was introduced into the ring by Davis.
3. A revised decision win for Roach, adjusting the score to reflect the knockdown in round nine.

With the NYSAC reviewing the appeal, this case could have far-reaching implications for boxing regulations and officiating standards.

Breaking Down the Ninth-Round Controversy

The fight between Roach and Davis was a high-stakes showdown, with both fighters bringing impressive records and unique styles into the ring. Davis, known for his knockout power, was expected to dominate. However, Roach showcased remarkable resilience and delivered a performance that exceeded many expectations.

The ninth round became the turning point. Roach landed a strong jab, causing Davis to drop to one knee. In most cases, such a scenario would be ruled as a knockdown, meaning the round would be scored 10-8 in favor of Roach. However, referee Steve Willis did not count it as a knockdown, altering the course of the fight’s scoring.

Davis later explained his actions:

“The sweat and grease from my hair got into my eye, and I couldn’t see, so I took a knee.”

The audience, visibly upset by the ruling, erupted into boos as the fight continued. Many boxing analysts argued that the referee’s decision not to count the knockdown cost Roach a rightful victory.

The Legal Appeal: Roach’s Case for Victory

In response to the controversial ruling, Roach’s legal team quickly filed an appeal with the NYSAC, outlining their case with three proposed outcomes:

1. Victory by TKO due to voluntary withdrawal: Roach’s team argues that since Davis took a knee and did not react to any specific punch, he effectively withdrew from the fight. Under boxing rules, this should have resulted in a TKO victory for Roach.
2. Victory by TKO due to illegal substances: The appeal also cites that Davis’s use of hair gel—which allegedly impaired his vision—constitutes an introduction of an illegal irritant into the fight. Roach’s team suggests this should lead to disqualification for Davis.
3. Score adjustment reflecting a knockdown: If the NYSAC does not disqualify Davis, Roach’s team requests that the fight’s official score be corrected to reflect the ninth-round knockdown. This could lead to a victory for Roach on the judges’ scorecards.

The commission is now reviewing the case, but the outcome remains uncertain.

Boxing Community Reactions: Fighters, Analysts, and Fans Weigh In

The controversy surrounding the fight has led to a firestorm of reactions from boxing experts, former champions, and fans worldwide.

Canelo Álvarez: Calls for Disqualification

Mexican superstar Canelo Álvarez did not mince words in his reaction to the fight. He suggested that Davis’s corner acted improperly by interfering after the ninth-round incident.

“If his own corner had to step in for him to continue, that should have been a disqualification.”

Álvarez’s comments have added pressure on the NYSAC to take the appeal seriously.

Terence Crawford: Roach Was ‘Robbed’

Pound-for-pound great Terence “Bud” Crawford took to social media to voice his frustration, stating:

“Roach was robbed, plain and simple. That was a knockdown, no question about it.”

Many boxing analysts agree, arguing that Roach should have won the fight based on a fair score in the ninth round.

Gervonta Davis: Calls for a Rematch

Despite the controversy, Davis has dismissed the appeal and is instead focusing on a potential rematch.

“I’m not worried about what they’re saying. If he wants to run it back, let’s do it again.”

If the NYSAC does not overturn the fight result, a rematch between Roach and Davis could be the best way to settle the controversy once and for all.

The NYSAC’s Role: Will They Overturn the Result?

The New York State Athletic Commission has confirmed that they are reviewing Roach’s appeal, but the process could take weeks.

Key Factors in the Commission’s Decision:

• The legality of Davis’s “self-inflicted” impairment: Did the presence of hair gel affect the fight’s outcome in an unfair way?
• Referee discretion: Did the referee make an error by not counting the knockdown?
• Impact on future fights: If the commission rules in favor of Roach, will it set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in boxing?

The NYSAC has acknowledged that technical difficulties prevented the use of instant replay during the fight. This raises concerns about whether instant replay should be mandatory in high-profile boxing matches.

Potential Outcomes of the Appeal

The commission’s decision could result in several different outcomes:

1. Overturning the result: If the commission rules in Roach’s favor, the fight could be changed to a TKO victory or a decision win for Roach.
2. Ordering an immediate rematch: The NYSAC may not overturn the fight but could mandate a rematch to settle the dispute.
3. Upholding the original result: If they determine that the referee’s decision was final and within the rules, the majority draw will stand.

The Bigger Picture: How This Controversy Could Change Boxing

This appeal has sparked larger discussions about boxing regulations and the need for better officiating standards.

Key Takeaways for the Sport:

• Increased Use of Instant Replay: More boxing commissions may adopt instant replay technology to prevent controversial decisions.
• Regulation of Hair Products: The case raises questions about pre-fight regulations on grooming products that could affect a fighter’s performance.
• Clearer Rules on Voluntary Knees: Should a fighter taking a knee without a punch be considered a withdrawal?

No matter what happens, this case has already left its mark on the sport of boxing.

Final Thoughts: Will Roach Get Justice?

The fight between Lamont Roach Jr. and Gervonta Davis will be remembered as one of the most controversial bouts in recent boxing history. Roach’s appeal has brought serious attention to issues of fairness, officiating, and fighter safety.

While the NYSAC reviews the case, one thing is certain—this fight is far from over. Whether the result is overturned, a rematch is ordered, or the decision stands, this controversy has changed the boxing landscape and could lead to significant rule changes moving forward.

As fans await the final verdict, the question remains: Will justice be served for Lamont Roach?