Lamont Roach Jr. has made it clear: he’s “not surprised” but certainly “disappointed” by the New York State Athletic Commission’s (NYSAC) decision to uphold the controversial result of his fight against Gervonta Davis. On March 1, 2025, Roach, with a record of 25-1-2 (10 KOs), took a massive leap, moving up from his WBA Super Featherweight title to challenge Davis for his WBA Lightweight belt. Roach entered the fight as a heavy underdog, with many predicting that Davis, known for his devastating power, would emerge victorious. However, Roach shocked everyone by pushing Davis to the brink, leading to a contentious conclusion to the bout.

A Close Fight with Controversy: The Ninth Round Incident

The fight, which ended in a majority draw, was marred by controversy in round nine. In this pivotal round, Roach seemingly landed a clean shot that appeared to hurt Davis. Davis then briefly took a knee before heading to his corner for a face wipe. Referee Steve Willis, who had initially started counting for a knockdown, controversially stopped the count, ruling that it wasn’t a knockdown. Davis, afterward, explained that grease from his hair had run into his eyes, causing discomfort and prompting him to take a break. This incident raised questions about the referee’s decision and led to much debate over whether it influenced the final result.

Judges’ Scores: The Majority Draw

The official judges’ scorecards were as follows: Glenn Feldman and Eric Marlinski both scored the fight 114-114, while Steve Weisfeld scored it 113-115 in favor of Davis. The ninth round, where the controversy unfolded, was scored as 10-9 in favor of Davis by both Feldman and Marlinski. Meanwhile, Weisfeld awarded the round to Roach. These discrepancies highlighted the controversial nature of the contest, as many felt that Roach had done enough to win, especially given the events in the ninth round.

The NYSAC Ruling: A Disappointing but Expected Outcome

Following the protest from Roach’s team, the New York State Athletic Commission reviewed the fight’s outcome. Roach’s team had hoped for the decision to be overturned based on the mishandling of the ninth-round incident. However, the NYSAC chose to uphold the original decision, leaving the outcome unchanged. Despite this ruling, Roach took to social media to express his frustration: “I’m not surprised about the decision by the NYSAC. A little disappointed, yeah. Especially when they acknowledged the fact that Steve made the wrong calls in the 9th round. But I wasn’t banking on the overturn. Everyone knows I won the fight, and I’m satisfied with that.”

This statement reflects Roach’s growing confidence in his performance and his belief that he emerged as the real winner of the fight, regardless of the official result. His response to the decision showed a sense of maturity and professionalism, accepting the outcome without letting it define his career trajectory.

Gervonta Davis’ Reaction: Acknowledging the Rematch

In the aftermath of the fight, Gervonta Davis, who remains undefeated with a record of 30-0-1 (28 KOs), acknowledged Roach’s strong performance. During the post-fight press conference, Davis suggested that a rematch should be next. However, he didn’t seem particularly convinced that it would happen, despite the fact that he has a rematch clause in his contract. This clause would allow Davis to challenge Roach again for the WBA lightweight title, but Davis has yet to publicly commit to a second fight.

Roach, on the other hand, has now positioned himself as a top contender in the lightweight division, and his impressive showing against Davis has earned him respect across the boxing world. Many fans and analysts alike believe that a rematch between the two would not only settle the controversy but also prove who is the true champion in the division.

The Future of Lamont Roach: Confident and Unstoppable

Despite the outcome, Lamont Roach’s performance has elevated his status in the boxing world. His willingness to take on the challenge of Davis, despite the odds being stacked against him, has shown that he is not just a titleholder but a fighter with heart and resilience. Roach’s journey is far from over, and his future in the lightweight division looks bright.

The controversial draw has only fueled Roach’s fire, and it is clear that he is hungry for more. His bold declaration that “everyone knows I won the fight” shows a fighter who is not intimidated by setbacks and is ready to take on anyone in his path. The next step in his career could very well involve another showdown with Davis, but Roach’s sights are set on bigger and better things.

What’s Next for Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach?

The future is uncertain for both fighters, but one thing is for sure: the boxing world is eagerly awaiting what comes next. With Gervonta Davis’ rematch clause in place, a second fight between him and Roach could very well happen, and it promises to be a spectacular battle. Whether the rematch takes place soon or not, both men have shown they have what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Final Thoughts: Who Truly Won?

As the controversy surrounding this fight lingers, fans will continue to debate who the true winner was. The NYSAC’s decision to uphold the draw may have disappointed some, but it doesn’t erase the fact that Lamont Roach delivered a performance that has left an indelible mark on the lightweight division. Whether he gets another shot at Davis or moves on to other challenges, one thing is certain: Roach is a fighter to watch in the coming years.

As Roach himself said, “Everyone knows I won the fight.” That confidence, along with his skill and determination, will undoubtedly carry him forward as he looks to reclaim his place at the top of the boxing world.