Man, if you’re Lamont Roach Jr. right now, you’ve gotta be feeling absolutely gutted. And honestly? Who can blame him? On Friday, the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) dropped its final verdict after Roach’s team appealed the draw, and let’s just say it hit differently for Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. For Tank, it was a sigh of relief—he gets to keep that undefeated record intact. But for Roach? It was like having the rug pulled out from under him. The decision didn’t just cost him a win, it snatched away his shot at becoming a world champion in two weight classes. That’s millions down the drain.

And to make matters worse, it’s not like Roach was outclassed. He moved up a division and gave Gervonta Davis a serious run for his money. The whole world saw Tank take a knee in the ninth round. Even Canelo Alvarez chimed in, saying, “It’s a disqualification,” when Calvin Ford climbed on the corner to wipe Tank’s face mid-round. If nothing else, NYSAC could’ve at least adjusted the score for the ninth round to a 10-8. But nope, they didn’t.

Veteran boxing journalist Dan Rafael, in his report on Fight Freaks Unite, shared the response from NYSAC executive Matt Delaglio to Roach’s appeal. Rafael’s post read: “NYSAC acknowledges referee error but #TankRoach draw will stand.” In the report, Rafael also revealed the response from Roach’s advisor, Robert Diaz, to the letter from NYSAC upholding the draw. “I am very disappointed with the decision by NYSAC. When an athlete is in the wrong they are discipline immediately. However, the men in long pants (referees) are never wrong or disciplined. It’s time for change for the better of our sport,” Robert Diaz to Rafael.

The former vice president of Golden Boy Promotions questioned why Steve Willis was not held accountable for the blunder. No one expected the small slip-up from Willis to snowball into such a huge controversy. And here’s the kicker. Lamont Roach Jr. just a few days ago revealed that when Tank was on his knees, Roach pleaded to the referee, “Keep counting. He’s tripping. That’s a knockdown.” And honestly? He had a point. Willis even started counting but stopped at three and let the fight continue.

So now, the NYSAC is saying two things to be precise. 1. Yes, Gervonta Davis did have a knockdown in round 9 that the referee let slip, and 2. No, we’re not changing the final scorecards. And their reasoning? Since the fight continued for three more rounds and both fighters adjusted to the ref’s call, it wasn’t “outcome-determinative.” That’s gotta sting. Well, it sure did for Roach. And the moment NYSAC made their final ruling, he also made up his mind on what comes next.

A possible rematch between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach Jr.?

2 words. But it gives more than just a clear idea that the boxing world will witness “the heat” they expected to get in the first place. Taking to X, the WBA Super featherweight champion stated, “Part 2”. If that’s not enough, he even engaged in a verbal tussle with one of his fellow boxers yesterday. It all started when Lorenzo Simpson tagged a user on X and was betting on Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach’s rematch. Roach saw it, and boom—the fire got even hotter.

The light heavyweight downplayed Roach’s performance, saying, “You just did better than expected 😂 that’s all but just take it all on cause soon it will be 💤 time.” Basically, he was saying Roach just got lucky, and next time, Tank is putting him to sleep. Now, this left the 29-year-old fuming. Brimming with confidence, he knew he deserved the win. So he ultimately raised the stakes, saying, “Yea 250k just like I bet your role model… if you can show it to me we good money lil n***a.”

After being criticized by boxing elites, the Baltimore native had it enough. He initially took a long pause when asked about wanting a rematch. He said even if a rematch is what he wanted, it might not happen soon. But less than a week ago, Gervonta Davis made it clear: “And say no more. I’m pushing for the rematch.” And when is that going to happen? He again revealed on X that, “The rematch can be soon too..like end of May.”

With that said, now that Lamont Roach Jr. has lost his appeal, do you think he will do better against Gervonta Davis in the rematch? Or do you believe Gervonta Davis will also come out stronger next time?