Sun Mar 09 19:20:00 UTC 2025: **New York Athletic Commission Upholds Controversial Davis-Roach Draw**
NEW YORK, NY – The New York State Athletic Commission has officially upheld the controversial majority draw between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. that took place last weekend. Despite a protest filed by Roach’s team, the commission ruled that referee Steve Willis’s decision not to call a knockdown in the ninth round, even though Davis’s knee touched the canvas, was not outcome-determinative.
The commission’s ruling, obtained by ESPN, acknowledged that a knockdown should have been called based on a post-fight review. However, it stated that the referee’s call fell within his authority, and that altering the result retrospectively would set a problematic precedent. Two judges scored the fight 114-114, while one scored it 115-113 for Davis. A knockdown call in the ninth round would have given Roach the victory.
Roach’s attorney, Gregory M. Smith, expressed disappointment with the decision and the commission’s lack of action, but stated Roach, who remains the WBA junior lightweight champion, is grateful for public support and confident in a future rematch.
Davis, meanwhile, maintained that he took a knee due to eye irritation caused by a hair product. He also acknowledged a violation of the rules, having his corner wipe his eyes with a towel during the round. The commission cited technical issues with video replay as the reason they could not review the incident promptly.
The highly anticipated bout, which saw Davis, the -2000 betting favorite, retain his WBA lightweight title, ended in a draw that has left a significant mark on the boxing world. The decision leaves the future of the rivalry unresolved, with a rematch widely expected.
First Piper 