Gervonta "Tank" Davis Retains Title Amid Controversy: Baltimore's Champ Faces Scrutiny After Draw with Lamont Roach
- YHTL Contributor
- Mar 2
- 2 min read
In a night that left boxing fans and pundits buzzing, Baltimore's own Gervonta "Tank" Davis faced Lamont Roach Jr. at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, resulting in a majority draw that has sparked widespread debate. The bout, which took place on March 2, 2025, saw Davis retain his WBA lightweight title, but not without controversy.
A Controversial Ninth Round
The pivotal moment occurred in the ninth round when Davis unexpectedly took a knee. Referee Steve Willis began a count but then deemed it not a knockdown, a decision that significantly impacted the fight's outcome. Davis later attributed the knee to hair grease causing irritation in his eyes, an explanation met with skepticism and boos from the audience.
Scorecards and Statistics
The judges' scorecards reflected the bout's contentious nature: two scored it 114-114, resulting in a draw, while one judge favored Davis at 115-113. CompuBox statistics highlighted the fight's competitiveness, with Roach landing 112 total punches to Davis's 103. Notably, Roach connected more jabs (25 to Davis's 10), whereas Davis had a slight edge in power punches (93 to Roach's 87).
Reactions from the Boxing Community
The decision has been polarizing. Prominent figures like Terence Crawford and Claressa Shields criticized the outcome, suggesting that Roach deserved the win. Fans and analysts alike have called for a rematch to settle the dispute.
Baltimore's Perspective
In Baltimore, reactions are mixed. While Davis remains a hometown hero, some fans express concern over the fight's controversy and the potential impact on his legacy. The incident has sparked discussions about the importance of clear officiating and the challenges athletes face both in and out of the ring.
Looking Ahead
As Davis's record now stands at 30-0-1, the boxing world anticipates his next move. Whether a rematch with Roach or another challenger awaits, Baltimore will undoubtedly continue to rally behind its champion, hoping for clarity and decisiveness in future bouts.
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