Gervonta Davis’ latest fight has stirred up a storm of controversy, not just for the split-decision result but for a bizarre explanation that left boxing fans stunned. The undefeated WBA lightweight champion, who fought to a majority draw against Lamont Roach, shocked the audience when he blamed hair grease for a critical moment in the match. Now, his hairstylist is firing back, denying responsibility and adding fuel to the growing debate.
The Controversial Ninth Round: What Really Happened?
The highly anticipated bout at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn saw Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) enter the ring as the overwhelming favorite. However, in the ninth round, an unexpected turn of events left the audience in disbelief.
Roach landed a clean jab, and Davis, seemingly affected, dropped to one knee. In boxing, when a fighter’s glove or knee touches the canvas due to a legal blow, it is usually counted as a knockdown. However, referee Steve Willis made a controversial decision by not scoring it as such, a move that many believe saved Davis from his first professional loss.
The crowd erupted in boos as Davis attempted to explain the incident. In a post-fight interview, he revealed what he claimed was the true reason behind his unexpected move.
Davis Blames Hairstylist: “The Grease Got in My Eyes”
Davis shocked reporters and fans alike when he cited his hairstylist’s work as the reason for his mid-fight struggle.
“I got my hair done two days ago, and she put grease in my s***,” he stated. “It was sweating, running into my face, burning my eyes.”
As the audience jeered, Davis defended himself. “Why y’all acting like I’m lying? This is real. Look at my hair, I just got it done.”
His explanation, however, was met with skepticism. Boxing analysts and fans questioned whether hair grease could genuinely cause a fighter to take a knee, while others pointed out that he should have been prepared for any discomfort during the fight.
Hairstylist Claps Back: “That’s No Excuse”
Davis’ claims didn’t sit well with his hairstylist, LeeBTheBrand, who quickly responded via Instagram before deleting her post.
“I did his hair Wednesday. It’s Saturday. He did press, gym, weigh-in. That’s no excuse. How much grease did I use, damn.”
To further prove her point, she shared a video of Davis at her salon, showing no visible excess grease. Additionally, she posted an image of the product she used on his hair, which clearly stated “no grease” on the label.
Her response immediately gained traction online, with fans debating whether Davis was using his hair as an excuse or if there was some truth to his claim.
Lamont Roach Responds: “I Should Have Won”
While the controversy over hair grease continues, Lamont Roach remains frustrated over the fight’s outcome. The judges scored the fight 115-113 in favor of Davis, while the other two had it 114-114, resulting in a draw. However, Roach believes that if the referee had ruled the knee a knockdown, he would have walked away victorious.
“If you voluntarily take a knee and the ref starts counting, it’s a knockdown. If that’s a knockdown, I win,” Roach stated. “I thought I pulled it out. I want to run it back.”
His frustration is understandable, as a win over Davis would have catapulted him to a new level in his career. Many boxing fans also feel that Roach was robbed of a significant moment due to the referee’s decision.
Davis Defends Himself Again: “They Took the Fight from Me”
Following the fight, Davis took to social media to express his frustration over the backlash.
“They took the fight from me and made it a draw because of that bulls*** knee. But I landed the most punches. He didn’t even hit me when I took the knee. I get it, I shouldn’t have done that, but that hair grease was burning my eyes!”
Whether or not his excuse holds weight, it’s clear that this controversy won’t be dying down anytime soon.
A Rematch on the Horizon?
With both sides feeling unsatisfied by the outcome, speculation is already building about a potential rematch. Roach has been vocal about his desire for another shot at Davis, and given the controversy surrounding their first fight, a second bout could be a massive pay-per-view event.
Boxing analysts believe that if Davis wants to put the hair grease excuse behind him, he’ll need to prove himself in the ring without any distractions.
Final Thoughts: A Lesson Learned for Davis?
While the fight itself was an intense battle, the biggest takeaway has been the unexpected drama surrounding Davis’ hairstyle. Whether or not his excuse holds up, one thing is certain: he may be looking for a new hairstylist before his next fight.
As for Roach, he continues to push for a rematch, hoping to get the recognition he feels he deserves. Until then, the boxing world will be left debating one of the most unusual excuses ever given in the sport.
