It was a wild weekend in the boxing world, with standout performances, questionable officiating, and fights that left fans buzzing. Whether it was Lamont Roach delivering an unexpected clinic against Gervonta Davis or Craig Richards dismantling Padraig McCrory in Belfast, there was no shortage of talking points.
While some fighters elevated their careers, others faced tough questions. And let’s not forget the officiating-because boxing’s referees and judges once again found themselves at the center of controversy.
Roach takes his moment, Davis struggles to find answers
Lamont Roach was supposed to be an opponent, a stepping stone for Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis to showcase his dominance. But instead, Roach flipped the script, standing toe-to-toe with the Baltimore star and forcing him into an uncomfortable fight.
Davis, who once thrived on power and pressure, never seemed in control. Roach, disciplined and fearless, outworked him on the inside, landing cleaner shots and frustrating the former undefeated fighter. By the final rounds, the momentum had shifted, and the judges’ scorecards reflected just how close the fight had become. Timothy Bradley put it best on ESPN: “Roach came in hungry, and Davis didn’t have an answer.”
Craig Richards makes a statement in Belfast
Over in Belfast, Craig Richards stepped into enemy territory and delivered one of the weekend’s most brutal knockouts. Facing the home favorite, Padraig McCrory, Richards remained patient before landing a devastating body shot that ended the fight. It was a reminder of why he’s been able to hang with some of the best in the division, including Dmitry Bivol.
With this win, Richards puts himself in the conversation for bigger fights. His precision and patience paid off, and now, bigger opportunities are likely on the horizon.
A tough weekend for boxing officials
While the fighters delivered fireworks, the referees and judges had fans shaking their heads.
Marcus McDonnell took center stage when he disqualified Paddy Donovanfor punches after the bell, a decision that left the fighter and his supporters furious. Then there was Terry O’Connor, whose baffling 98-92 scorecard in favor of Mace Ruegg over Liam Dillon had fans questioning whether he watched the same fight as everyone else.
And then there was the bizarre moment in New York. Referee Steve Willis allowed Gervonta Davis to take a knee due to an eye complaint caused by his own hair braids-something almost unheard of in the sport. To make matters worse, Willis later issued a warning to Roach for a foul Davis initiated himself. These inconsistencies are once again sparking conversations about the need for better officiating oversight.
What’s next? Fighters on the Rrise, questions for Davis
For Roach, this victory changes everything. He’s no longer just an underdog with potential-he’s a real player in the division. His performance earned him not only respect but also future opportunities against some of the biggest names in the sport.
Craig Richards also walks away from this weekend with momentum, proving that he’s a serious threat at 175 pounds. Meanwhile, Gary Antuanne Russell’s emotional performance against Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela further solidified his status as one to watch.
But for Davis, this was a fight that raised more concerns than it answered. Was this just an off night, or has the blueprint to beat him been found? Either way, boxing’s lightweight division just got a lot more interesting.
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