Shocking Boxing Match: Did Gervonta Davis Truly Win, or Was Lamont Roach Robbed of His Opportunity?

The boxing world is still reeling from the fallout of the March 1, 2025, Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. fight for the WBA lightweight title, held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. A fight that many fans and analysts are calling one of the most controversial bouts in recent memory. The outcome—a majority draw—has sparked outrage with accusations that Roach was robbed of the title due to a polarizing ninth-round incident involving Davis taking a knee. Now, in the latest twist, the World Boxing Association (WBA) has issued a statement defending referee Steve Willis’ controversial decision, but that has only intensified the calls for a rematch.

The Controversial Moment: Davis Takes a Knee

The showdown between Gervonta “Tank” Davis, with his undefeated record of 30-0-1, and the WBA super featherweight champion Lamont Roach was a close and hard-fought affair. Roach (25-1-2) stepped up to the 135-pound lightweight division, showcasing his volume and precision, while Davis struggled to find his rhythm. As the fight went into the later rounds, Roach appeared to outwork Davis, with CompuBox statistics revealing Roach landing 112 out of 400 punches (28%), compared to Davis’ 103 out of 279 (37%). Many observers, including fans and analysts, felt that Roach deserved to win the bout.

However, it was the ninth round that would become the focal point of this controversy. During the exchange, Davis suddenly took a knee and claimed that grease from his braids had burned his eyes. He retreated to his corner for a wipedown, which many fans believed should have been ruled a knockdown. Referee Steve Willis, however, did not call it a knockdown, leading to a contentious decision that ultimately influenced the final scorecards. Davis was awarded the fight with a score of 115-113, while two judges scored it 114-114 for a majority draw.

WBA Defends the Referee: Is the Fix In?

The WBA quickly came to the defense of referee Willis, insisting that the decision to not call it a knockdown was valid. The association released an official statement, claiming that Willis had ruled in real-time that Davis had not been struck by a punch before going down. According to the WBA, Willis prioritized Davis’ safety, stating, “From our perspective, Willis’ decision was not unreasonable or unjustifiable.” This reasoning has been met with a massive backlash, with critics labeling the decision as one of the worst in boxing history.

Many fans took to social media to voice their frustration, with #RoachRobbed trending globally. Terence Crawford and Deontay Wilder, two of boxing’s biggest names, voiced their displeasure, with Crawford tweeting, “That knee should’ve been a 10-8 round for Roach—clear as day. This is a travesty.” Wilder added, “Steve Willis snatched the win from Lamont. Boxing’s credibility is on the line.” As clips of the controversial ninth round circulated, amassing over 8 million views, it was clear that the outrage was not going away anytime soon.

The Internal Discord: WBA President at Odds with the Organization

Adding fuel to the fire, the WBA president Gilberto Mendoza had earlier spoken to ESPN, stating, “This fight was controversial and deserves a rematch. The ninth-round call left too many questions, and we need to ensure fairness for both fighters.” Mendoza’s comments directly contradict the WBA’s defense of Willis, revealing internal discord within the organization. Fans and analysts were left stunned by the apparent confusion, as Mendoza’s stance appeared at odds with the WBA’s official position.

This contradiction has only deepened the divide within the boxing community. Fans are demanding answers, with many now questioning the integrity of the WBA’s rulings. As the dust settles, the controversy is far from over, and the future of the lightweight division remains uncertain.

Davis and Roach Respond: A Clash of Champions

After the fight, Gervonta Davis defended the draw, stating that the grease in his braids had caused a burning sensation in his eyes. He claimed that he regained his momentum in the final three rounds, landing cleaner shots on Roach. Davis earned a reported $5 million for his performance, far surpassing Roach’s $200,000 purse. Despite the victory, many felt the fight was far from a clear win for Davis, and the controversy has overshadowed his achievement.

On the other hand, Lamont Roach is not backing down. He firmly believes he deserved the win, labeling the referee’s decision a robbery. “I won that fight,” Roach told The Ring. “That knee was a knockdown, and Steve Willis robbed me of my title. The WBA’s defense of him is a slap in the face—I deserve a rematch.” Roach’s defiance has earned him support from fans who continue to rally behind him, demanding that justice be served.

Social Media Outrage: The Fans Speak Out

The fight has ignited a firestorm on social media, with #WBAFail and #RoachJustice trending alongside #RoachRobbed. Fans from both sides are vocal in their belief that the decision was either unjust or justified. One fan tweeted, “The WBA is protecting Tank—Willis’ call was a disgrace, and they know it.” Meanwhile, another countered, “The WBA’s right—Davis didn’t get hit, and Roach’s whining won’t change that.”

Timothy Bradley, a former champion and analyst for ESPN, argued that the WBA’s defense of Willis felt tone-deaf and that the decision was indefensible. “This needs a rematch or a title strip,” Bradley said, further adding to the growing chorus for action to be taken. The NYSAC, the body responsible for regulating boxing in New York, has now launched its own review of Willis’ decision. While no timeline has been set for a resolution, the pressure is mounting for a fair and timely conclusion.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Davis and Roach?

As the investigation continues, the fallout from this controversial decision could have far-reaching consequences for the lightweight division and the future of boxing. Roach remains determined to get his shot at the title, while Davis is standing firm in his defense. With the WBA backing its referee and the NYSAC reviewing the decision, boxing fans and analysts alike are left wondering if justice will prevail.

For now, all eyes are on the developments in the coming weeks, as this controversy continues to fuel heated debates. Will a rematch happen, or will Davis remain the undefeated champion? Stay tuned for updates and follow the conversation on X under #RoachRobbed. The outcome of this saga could reshape the future of boxing.