The controversial fight between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. that ended in a majority draw, a result that was enough for Tank to retain his WBA lightweight title, looks set to be put behind him and move towards a rematch, despite the fact that the champion knelt down in the ninth round and should have been penalized as a knockdown.
In the ninth round, Roach landed a jab to Davis‘ eye, who to the surprise of all the spectators turned around and knelt on the canvas, before receiving help from his corner to wipe with a towel the area around his eye, a momentary break that he justified by saying that the grease that got into his eye after combing his hair that week made it difficult for him to continue.
In the post-fight interview, Roach claimed the takedown that may have tilted the judges’ decision in his favor and in the novel that was generated around the reactions to the fight, it was said that his lawyers would sue to have the result changed, a decision that Roach himself has already ruled out and wants to keep his attention on the rematch.
“Look, I’m going to tell you all straight that I haven’t sued anyone,” Lamont wrote on his X account, clarifying that the only thing that happened with his team was to file an appeal on his behalf: “Which means not having a team that doesn’t pull the trigger for something they know is wrong. They defended me. So all that lawsuit shit can be put aside.”
The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) conducted an investigation and, although it acknowledged that referee Steve Willis should have counted it as a knockdown, it said it was not decisive to the outcome. Lamont said he was disappointed, but seems to be focusing on what’s next.
“I’m not surprised by the NYSAC’s decision. I’m a little disappointed, yes. Especially when he acknowledged the fact that Steve made the wrong decisions in the ninth round. But I wasn’t counting on the fight being overturned. Everyone knows I won the fight and I’m satisfied with that,” Roach said on X.
Lamont Roach Jr. already knows what will change for the rematch against Gervonta
The contract for this fight stipulated a clause for an immediate rematch, and Lamont Roach is already focusing on his next step, and spoke about his strategy during a chat on the Pro Box TV podcast with Gary Jonas.
“I have to work harder. I have to train harder. I have to be more ruthless. I have to be more physical. I have to do a lot,” said Roach Jr, who after being left with the feeling that he had won the first fight, his motivation will be to get down to work in training, to finish with the belt in his possession.
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