The controversy from Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach Jr’s draw in Brooklyn continues to unfold.
‘Tank’ Davis kept hold of his WBA Lightweight World Title with the scores of 115-113 in his favour and two cards of 114-114. Crucially, however, the champion took a knee in the ninth round which was not called a knockdown by referee Steve Willis.
Had it been dealt with as per the rulebook, and the same scores were recorded for every other round, Roach would have left the ring with a massive upset victory and the world title.
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His team have since been in touch with the New York State Athletic Commission to call for the result to be overturned to a win in his favour. The commission says a ‘technical issue’ prevented the use of replay so the referee’s decision was not reviewed on the night. A further verdict is expected.
The WBA on its official website took an opposing view, stating that ‘skeptics’ were wrong to say the call, or lack of, was unfair.
“From our perspective, Willis’ decision was not unreasonable or unjustifiable. He ruled in real-time that Davis had not been struck by a punch before going down, and therefore, no knockdown should be recorded.
“Judges, by regulation, must follow the referee’s rulings—they do not have the authority to override his decisions on knockdowns. Some skeptics have suggested that Willis’ call benefited Davis unfairly, but we do not subscribe to that notion.
“In our long experience judging fights, we see no evidence of favoritism—only a referee prioritizing the physical safety of a fighter who appeared compromised by an eye injury.”
In contrast, the President of the sanctioning body, Gilberto Mendoza, called the fight ‘very controversial.’
The injury in question, Davis has since explained, was due to grease from a recent hair appointment getting into his eye. He has also said he is pushing for an immediate rematch, which may be called regardless of his willingness.
