In a highly anticipated match, Gervonta Davis faced Lamont Roach Jr. for the WBA lightweight title. After 12 intense rounds, the fight ended in a controversial majority draw. While two judges scored it 114-114, the third gave a slight edge to Davis at 115-113. Many expected Roach to upset Davis, making the result even more shocking.
The pivotal moment came in the ninth round. After Roach landed a jab, Davis unexpectedly took a knee. He later explained that grease from his braids had gotten into his eyes and he needed a moment to clear it. However, the boxing rules do not allow fighters to call their own timeouts. Taking a knee should have been counted as a knockdown, giving Roach a crucial point advantage.
If referee Steve Willis had followed the rules, Roach would likely have won the bout on the scorecards. Instead, Davis, who was a heavy favorite going into the fight, retained his title under dubious circumstances.
The aftermath saw a wave of criticism from the boxing community. Many including renowned fighters and analysts expressed outrage over the decision, noting that Roach deserved to win based on his performance. Terence Crawford tweeted that Roach was robbed, while other commentators pointed out the referee’s mistake had serious financial repercussions for Roach, potentially costing him a career-defining victory.
The boxing world was abuzz with reactions, with many calling for a rematch and others questioning the integrity of the officiating. Comments flooded social media, with fans and fighters alike expressing disbelief that a moment which could have changed Roach’s career went unpunished.
This controversial ending raises questions about accountability in officiating and the need for stricter adherence to boxing rules to ensure fairness in high-stakes matches. While Davis retains his title, many feel that this situation calls for a deeper dive into how fights are judged and the implications of referee decisions.
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