Lamont Roach stepped into the ring as an underdog against Gervonta Davis at Barclays Center on March 1, but he left with a newfound respect from fans and fellow fighters alike.
Despite falling short in a highly debated decision, Roach delivered a stellar performance, proving that he belonged in the conversation among the best. His mother, Tia Roach, who has been a pillar of support throughout his career, made sure to celebrate her son’s efforts-while also taking an indirect shot at Davis.
Leading up to the title bout, Davis didn’t miss an opportunity to take jabs at Roach. During a pre-fight press event, the WBA lightweight champion mocked Roach for bringing his mother to the fight, stating, “I told him, leave his mom’s and, you know, the people, home. He still brought them. It’s crazy, man. It’s going to get bad.”
Roach, however, had the perfect response, doubling down on his decision to have his mother ringside. “What do you mean, why I bring her? She love to see me whoop a*,”* he said, exuding confidence before stepping into the ring.
That night, Roach put on a gritty performance that many believed should have earned him the win. He went the distance with Davis, a fighter known for his power and dominance, and gave him more trouble than expected. Though the official decision didn’t go in his favor, Roach’s resilience left fans and analysts debating whether he was the true winner.
Tia Roach praises her son’s performance
A few days after the fight, Roach’s mother, Tia, took to Instagram to express her pride in her son. She shared a picture from the ninth round, capturing the moment Davis retreated to his corner. Her caption was short but powerful: “Love you, son Just brilliant!”
The choice of image spoke volumes. Without saying it outright, she suggested that Davis wasn’t as dominant as some had expected and that her son had held his own against one of boxing’s best.
Lamont Roach himself responded to the post, reaffirming his bond with his mother. “Love you too the moon & back what I look like showing up to the fight without you,” he wrote, emphasizing just how important her presence is to him. Later, he reposted the message on his Instagram story, adding, “Why would I leave her home.”
This exchange was a direct callback to Davis’ pre-fight remarks, making it clear that Roach and his family felt victorious in their own right. His performance has elevated his standing in the boxing world, and despite the official outcome, Roach and his supporters are walking away with their heads held high.
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