Gervonta “Tank’’ Davis didn’t lose the fight, but he lost his aura of invincibility.
His fight Saturday with heavy underdog Lamont Roach Jr. ended in a majority draw.
Davis (30-0-1) and Roach (25-1-2) traded big shots over the 12-round lightweight fight at New York’s Barclays Center and, incredibly enough, Roach ended the fight on his feet.
The judges scored it 115-113 (for Davis), 114-114 and 114-114.
“Hopefully we can get a rematch,’’ Davis said.
Before the fight, Davis said Roach would be the most skilled boxer he’d faced yet. It was no exaggeration.
“For sure, Lamont is a great fighter. He’s got the skill, like I said before,” Davis said. “He got punching power.’’
Both fighters were cautious early, but by midway through the fight, punches were flying and landing.
“I’m one of the best fighters in the world, and I showed that tonight,’’ Roach said, indicating he wants a rematch. “I want to run it back for sure.’’
Davis-Roach controversy
Early in the ninth round, Davis took a knee and went back to his corner. Davis explained in his in-ring interview that he’d just gotten his hair done two days earlier and grease slid down his face and into his eye. The explanation apparently didn’t go over well with the crowd, which booed.
“Damn, why you all booing?’’ said Davis.
If the referee had ruled Davis taking a knee a knockdown, it would have resulted in a one-point deduction for Davis on all three judges’ cards.
“If that’s a knockdown I win the fight,’’ Roach said.
But in welcoming a rematch, Roach said about the controversy, “It is what it is.’’
