The clash between Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Lamont Roach at Barclays Center in Brooklyn had the boxing world buzzing, not just for the action in the ring, but for the highly controversial split draw decision that followed. While many fans were split on the outcome, boxing pros and analysts had a lot to say about the fight’s dynamics, the judges’ decision, and what it means for the future of both fighters.

From top-tier champions to rising stars, here’s a breakdown of how some of the sport’s most respected figures reacted to the Gervonta Davis vs Lamont Roach draw.

Ryan Garcia: “Roach Clearly Won”

One of the loudest voices after the fight was Ryan Garcia, who has been openly critical of Gervonta Davis in the past. Garcia, who shares a longstanding rivalry with Tank, wasted no time in expressing his disbelief over the result.

“That was a straight-up robbery,” Garcia tweeted. “Roach outboxed Tank from start to finish. He showed more skill, made Tank miss all night, and landed cleaner shots. It was clear to me, Roach won that fight. There’s no way that fight should’ve been a draw.”

Garcia’s reaction echoed the frustration of many fans who felt Roach’s superior boxing skills and defensive maneuvering earned him a clear victory. Garcia, who has been a vocal advocate for fighters like himself who rely on speed and technique, emphasized that Tank’s reliance on power was not enough against a fighter as skilled as Roach.

Devin Haney: “Tank’s Timing Was Off”

Devin Haney, the WBC lightweight champion, weighed in with a more measured but equally critical perspective. Haney, who is often praised for his boxing IQ and technical skill, stated that Davis wasn’t at his best and that Roach’s smart game plan neutralized Tank’s usual power.

“Tough fight for Tank,” Haney said during an interview post-fight. “Roach boxed really well—his footwork was on point, and his defense was solid. Tank just couldn’t get his timing right. He was missing a lot, and Roach made him pay. I think Roach did enough to win the fight. If anything, Tank learned a lot about how to handle a guy with that kind of defensive ability.”

Haney’s comments show a level of respect for both fighters. While he acknowledged Davis’ power, Haney made it clear that in this particular match, Tank’s offensive strategy wasn’t as effective as it had been in the past. Haney’s reaction is also seen as a subtle hint about how he might approach a fight with Davis, should it ever come to pass.

Shakur Stevenson: “Roach Outboxed Tank”

Another fighter who quickly chimed in was Shakur Stevenson, the former featherweight champion. Known for his exceptional defensive skills and ability to outsmart opponents in the ring, Stevenson was quick to praise Lamont Roach’s performance.

“I thought Roach won that fight, no doubt,” Stevenson tweeted. “Tank couldn’t land clean punches, and Roach was just way too sharp with his counters. I mean, Tank’s power was a threat, but Roach neutralized it. Honestly, Tank needs to go back to the drawing board. I’m not sure how the judges saw that as a draw.”

Stevenson’s comments were blunt and echoed the sentiment of many in the boxing community. For Stevenson, it wasn’t just about the punches landed, but about the level of skill and ring generalship displayed by Roach. He emphasized how Roach used his IQ and defense to effectively control the pace of the fight, forcing Davis into uncomfortable positions.

Canelo Alvarez: “It Was a Tough Fight for Tank”

While Canelo Alvarez did not give a direct opinion on the decision, his words during a recent press tour indicated a level of understanding about the difficulties Davis faced in the fight.

“Tank has a lot of potential, but tonight was a tough night for him,” Canelo said in a rare comment on the fight. “He fought a smart fighter in Lamont Roach. Sometimes, when you can’t land your shots and your opponent is moving well, it’s hard to find a way to win. But that’s boxing—it’s not always easy.”

Canelo, a multiple-weight world champion known for his ability to adjust in the ring, acknowledged the challenges Davis faced against Roach’s movement and defensive skills. While he didn’t openly criticize the draw, Canelo’s insights seemed to imply that Tank needed to make adjustments in future fights, especially against opponents who can box intelligently.

Teofimo Lopez: “Tank Needs to Get Better”

Former lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez also weighed in on the controversial draw. Lopez, who has had his own ups and downs in the lightweight division, expressed frustration with the way Davis handled the pressure from Roach.

“I think Tank’s power kept him in the fight,” Lopez said. “But Roach did exactly what he needed to do: move, counter, and box smart. Tank got frustrated. He couldn’t land anything clean, and it showed. It was a draw because Tank couldn’t adjust, plain and simple. He needs to get better at handling boxers like Roach.”

Lopez’s reaction was one of disappointment in Tank’s failure to adapt. Having faced his own struggles in the ring, Lopez is no stranger to the pressure of facing high-level boxers, and he made it clear that Davis, despite his natural gifts, needs to improve his ring IQ when facing smart and elusive fighters like Roach.

Mikey Garcia: “Roach Was More Consistent”

Former champion Mikey Garcia gave his thoughts on the fight, highlighting the consistency of Lamont Roach as the key to his success. Garcia, known for his own technical brilliance in the ring, praised Roach for sticking to his game plan and making it hard for Davis to find a rhythm.

“I thought Roach was consistent throughout the fight,” Garcia said. “He was constantly moving, using his jab, and doing exactly what he needed to do to frustrate Tank. Tank’s punches weren’t landing clean, and that’s why we saw him look frustrated in the later rounds. The judges gave Tank a draw, but I saw Roach in control for the most part.”

Garcia’s comments reflect a common sentiment from many observers that while Davis showed moments of power, Roach’s consistency and ability to stay in control of the pace were the real highlights of the fight. Garcia made it clear that, in his opinion, Roach did more to win the fight than Tank did to secure the victory.

Lamont Roach: “I Know I Won”

Lamont Roach, understandably frustrated by the decision, expressed his belief that he had done enough to win. Roach remained composed but confident in his performance.

“I know I won that fight,” Roach said after the bout. “I outboxed him. I moved, I stayed smart, and I landed the cleaner shots. There was no way it should have been a draw. I did what I had to do to win, and I feel like I proved myself in there.”

Roach’s belief in his performance was clear, and his reaction was a reminder that, despite the controversial decision, he had more than held his own against one of the sport’s biggest stars. The fighter from California was calm but resolute in his conviction that he deserved the win, not just the draw.

Conclusion: A Controversial Fight with Mixed Reactions

The Gervonta Davis vs Lamont Roach fight has set the boxing world abuzz with differing opinions. While Davis has the power and potential to be one of the best in the game, his struggles against Roach’s defensive style have made it clear that there is still work to be done.

Fighters like Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, and Shakur Stevenson were vocal in their belief that Roach deserved the victory, with many feeling that Davis was frustrated by Roach’s movement and defensive prowess. Others, including Canelo Alvarez and Teofimo Lopez, acknowledged that Davis was facing a tough test and suggested that adjustments would be necessary for future success.

The draw may not have been the result that many fans or fighters expected, but it set the stage for what could be an exciting rematch, one where Gervonta Davis will look to correct his mistakes and prove that his best is yet to come. For Lamont Roach, the performance was a major statement, even if the judges didn’t fully recognize it. It’s clear that both fighters are hungry for the next challenge, and the boxing world will be watching closely.