Gervonta Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) has announced his desire for a rematch with Lamont Roach after their controversial 12-round majority draw last Saturday at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Despite the judges scoring the fight 115-113 for Davis, with two 114-114 cards, many fans and analysts believe Roach (25-1-2, 10 KOs) was robbed of a clear victory.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Davis confirmed he is “pushing for the rematch,” expressing his determination to set the record straight in what could be a highly anticipated second encounter.
A Potential Late-May Rematch: Timing and Challenges
Davis’ eagerness to rematch Roach by late May presents challenges for promoters. With only a few months to finalize negotiations and market the fight, it remains to be seen if the timeline will work for all parties involved. The backlash from fans and the intense scrutiny over the controversial decision may push promoters to act swiftly to capitalize on the rematch’s momentum.
The controversy surrounding the first bout has sparked fierce debates within the boxing world, particularly regarding the officiating. A crucial moment came in the ninth round, when Davis took a knee after a jab from Roach. Fans were furious that the referee did not call the knockdown, a decision that many believe directly influenced the fight’s outcome. Some view this as another instance where officials favored Davis, further fueling the anger and calls for a rematch.
Roach Calls Out Davis and Plans to Appeal
Lamont Roach wasted no time responding to Davis’ announcement. Taking to social media, Roach stated, “My contract is already signed for an immediate rematch. The only reason we don’t fight is because you’re scared.” Roach went on to suggest that the result of the fight could be overturned, further adding to the drama surrounding the draw. He wrote, “Your favorite fighter is going to be 30-1, not 30-0-1… 2X x 2 Division champ.” Roach hinted that his team may appeal the result to the New York State Athletic Commission.
Roach’s accusations and the potential appeal have added fuel to the fire, with boxing fans eagerly awaiting news on whether the commission will intervene and potentially change the outcome of the fight.
Ryan Garcia Questions the Commission’s Silence
As speculation grows over the controversy, another high-profile boxer, Ryan Garcia, has weighed in. Garcia, who recently faced his own controversial situation with the commission, questioned why the New York State Athletic Commission has not acted similarly to its response in his case against Devin Haney. Last April, Garcia’s victory was overturned and declared a no-contest after he tested positive for a banned substance.
Garcia’s comments highlight the growing tension over the handling of controversial boxing outcomes, especially when fans and fighters believe injustice has been done. The commission’s silence regarding the ninth-round knockdown and its failure to take action has sparked further criticism.
The Boxing World Awaits the Outcome
As the drama surrounding the first Davis-Roach fight unfolds, the boxing world eagerly awaits an official ruling on whether the controversial draw will stand. With Roach pushing for an immediate rematch and speculation swirling around potential changes to the official result, fans are on edge for what could be one of the most highly anticipated rematches in recent memory.
As Gervonta Davis pushes for a rematch and Lamont Roach continues to call out the decision, it seems the controversy surrounding their first fight is far from over. Only time will tell whether they meet again in the ring by late May, or if the aftermath of their controversial bout will lead to even more dramatic twists and turns in the boxing world.
