BROOKLYN, NY — Gervonta “Tank” Davis retained his WBA Lightweight title in dramatic fashion after a highly anticipated clash with Lamont “The Reaper” Roach on March 1, 2025, at the Barclays Center. But what was expected to be a clear victory for the unbeaten champion turned into a night of controversy and unanswered questions.

Fight Recap

Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) came into the bout as the heavy favorite, but Roach (25-1-2, 10 KOs) surprised many by taking the fight to him early. The opening rounds saw Roach land crisp jabs, avoid Tank’s signature power shots, and control the pace.

By the middle rounds, Davis found his rhythm, applying pressure and landing heavier shots. But Roach refused to fold, maintaining composure and returning fire in key exchanges. The crowd was on edge as the fight remained competitive through 12 intense rounds.

Controversial Ninth Round

The most debated moment came in Round 9, when Davis suddenly took a knee after a seemingly light jab from Roach. Referee Steve Willis ruled it not a knockdown, saying it was not the result of a legal punch. After the bout, Davis claimed that oil from his hair dripped into his eyes, causing temporary vision issues and forcing him to kneel.

Many fans and analysts disagreed with the call, arguing that a knockdown should have been recorded — a decision that may have impacted the final scoring.

Scorecards & Aftermath

The judges were split: two scored the bout 114-114, while one gave the edge to Davis, 115-113 — resulting in a majority draw. That allowed Davis to retain his title, but neither fighter was satisfied with the outcome.

“I felt like I won that fight,” said Roach. “But I’m not surprised. We know how this game works.”

Davis responded: “I wasn’t at my best tonight, but I did enough to win. If he wants a rematch, we can run it back.”

Review Underway

The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) later confirmed it had opened a review into the ninth-round incident. Due to a technical failure, video replay was not available during the bout, and the referee’s in-ring decision stood. Depending on the review outcome, the ruling might be challenged officially, though a reversal remains unlikely.

Will There Be a Rematch?

Given the controversy and how closely contested the bout was, a rematch is already in high demand. Fans, promoters, and media outlets have all voiced support for running it back — potentially later this year.

“We owe the fans a real finish,” Roach said post-fight. “Let’s do it again.”

Final Thoughts

This clash between Davis and Roach was everything boxing fans could hope for — drama, skill, and suspense. While the result leaves much to be debated, one thing is certain: the stage is set for a blockbuster rematch, and boxing fans can’t wait.