A Controversial Draw That Shook Up Boxing

The boxing world was on fire on March 1, 2025, when Gervonta “Tank” Davis stepped into the ring against Lamont Roach Jr. at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Fans expected fireworks, and they got them—but not in the way anyone anticipated.

Instead of a definitive victory, the fight ended in a controversial majority draw, raising questions about scoring, officiating, and even Davis’ standing among boxing’s elite. This wasn’t just another title defense—it was a fight that left both fans and analysts debating the outcome long after the final bell.

The Official Scorecards and the Controversial Decision

When the final bell rang, the judges delivered a majority draw decision. The scorecards read:

  • 115-113 for Davis
  • 114-114 (two judges had it even)

With that, Davis retained his WBA lightweight title, but the controversy was just beginning.

Roach, who came into this fight as the underdog, put up a strong performance that many believed should have secured him the win. He landed effective shots, controlled the pace at times, and even appeared to score a knockdown—except that it wasn’t officially counted.

The Ninth-Round Controversy: Knockdown or Not?

The defining moment of the fight came in the ninth round when Davis unexpectedly took a knee after a jab from Roach.

Most watching assumed it was a knockdown—something that could have swung the fight in Roach’s favor. But referee Steve Willis didn’t see it that way. He did not rule it a knockdown, sparking heated debates among fans, analysts, and even former fighters.

Had it been scored a knockdown, Roach would have won that round 10-8, which could have completely changed the final outcome.

So, why did Davis go down?

Davis Blames… Hair Grease?

After the fight, Davis offered an unexpected explanation for why he took a knee in the ninth round.

“I just got my hair done two days ago, and she put grease in it. When you’re sweating and things like that, the grease came into my face and burned my eyes.”

That’s right—according to Davis, it wasn’t Roach’s punch that dropped him, but hair product irritation. This response didn’t sit well with fans who expected a clear answer, and it only added to the fight’s controversy.

Roach’s Reaction: “I Should Have Won”

Lamont Roach Jr. was not shy about how he felt post-fight.

“I won that fight. I did everything I needed to do, and that should have been my belt.”

Given how the fight played out, it’s hard to argue with him. While Davis had his moments, Roach seemed to have done enough in the eyes of many fans and analysts. He immediately expressed interest in a rematch, hoping to leave no doubt next time.

What This Means for Tank Davis’ Legacy

The aftermath of this fight hit Davis’ pound-for-pound ranking hard. The Ring Magazine, one of the most respected voices in boxing, removed him from their pound-for-pound list following the controversial draw.

He was replaced by David Benavidez, a move that sent shockwaves through the boxing community. Davis, who had long been considered one of the sport’s most dominant forces, suddenly found his position in question.

Will There Be a Rematch?

After a fight this controversial, the demand for a rematch is loud and clear.

Both fighters have expressed interest in running it back, but the business side of boxing always plays a role. Davis still holds his title, but with his stock taking a hit, a rematch with Roach might be his best option to silence the critics.

For Roach, this is an opportunity to prove that he belongs at the top of the lightweight division. He fought hard, pushed the champ to his limits, and—if that ninth-round knockdown had counted—he may have already taken the belt.

Final Thoughts

Boxing fans love a good controversy, but this one left a lot of unfinished business. Davis vs. Roach Jr. was supposed to be a statement fight, but instead, it ended with more questions than answers.

  • Did Roach get robbed?
  • Should Davis still be considered a top-tier champion?
  • Will a rematch settle the score?

No matter where you stand, one thing is clear—this fight wasn’t just another title defense. It was a moment that shook up the lightweight division and left the boxing world waiting to see what happens next.

Would you watch a Davis vs. Roach rematch? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.