Some things just aren’t meant to be! Earlier this month, WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis and WBA super featherweight champion Lamont Roach Jr. went toe-to-toe for Davis’ lightweight strap. What was expected to be an easy night for ‘Tank’ turned into a grueling battle that pushed him to his limits. ‘The Reaper’ matched Davis’ skills, power, and ring IQ, ultimately forcing the Baltimore native to settle for a majority decision draw. Despite entering as the ultimate underdog, Roach Jr. looked a step ahead of the so-called ‘face of boxing,’ convincing many that he deserved the win. However, the most controversial moment of the fight came in the ninth round. Roach Jr. landed a clean combination after which, a moment later, Davis took a knee—an action widely seen as a knockdown.

Referee Steve Willis initially began the mandatory ten-count, but Davis ran to his corner to have his face wiped by his team. Despite the clear knockdown, Willis did not officially score it as one, a decision that directly impacted the final result. Had the knockdown been counted, Roach Jr. would have won via unanimous decision. Davis later claimed that grease from his hair had trickled into his eyes, affecting his vision. This prompted the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) to investigate, revealing that due to a “technical issue,” they were unable to review the incident during the fight. Regardless, days later, they finally came to a conclusion about the Davis-Roach Jr. fight after an official complaint from Roach’s legal team.

The NYSAC announced their decision not to overturn the draw and acknowledged Willis’ mistake during the incident in the ninth round. After the unfavorable verdict, Roach Jr. broke his silence on the matter. “I’m not surprised about the decision by the NYSAC,” he wrote on X. “A lil disappointed, yea. Especially when they ACKNOWLEDGED the fact that Steve made the wrong calls in the 9th round,” he continued. “But I wasn’t banking on the overturn. Everyone know I won the fight and I’m satisfied with that. Part 2 otw.”

Now, all eyes are on a potential rematch, where Davis and Roach Jr. will have the chance to settle the score once and for all. However, did you know the NYSAC was accused of lying after they claimed a “technical issue” prevented them from reviewing the knee incident during the fight?

Unanimous source calls ‘bulls**t’ after NYSAC “technical issue” excuse during Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. fight

The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) claimed “technical issues” prevented them from reviewing a crucial sequence in the Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. fight. However, a source with direct knowledge strongly refuted this explanation. “That’s bulls**t. That is bulls**t,” the source told Brunch Boxing.

Top Comment by AUGUSTINE UDOH

Every one knew that Lamont Roach Jr. clearly won that fight, and he was robbed openly. That was very very...more

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Despite the NYSAC’s claims, the source revealed that footage from four different angles was available almost instantly. In fact, the source asserted that replay officials had access to the footage well before round ten, directly contradicting the NYSAC’s statement. “We got what we need. Yeah, not a knockdown. Wasn’t from a punch,” a replay official reportedly stated per the source.

That said, it appears Lamont Roach Jr. will have to prove he is the better fighter the old-fashioned way—by getting back in the ring with Gervonta Davis. However, confirmation on that end remains out of hand. What are your thoughts on the matter?