As anticipation builds for what promises to be another high-stakes encounter, Lamont Roach Jr.‘s father and trainer, Lamont Roach Sr., spoke about the rematch with Gervonta Davis and why this next bout may surpass the original. Its significance has only grown, especially given the risks it faced from a potential clash with Jake Paul.

In a recent interview, Paul confirmed that he and Davis were actively in talks for a fight. “But he has to do his rematch with Lamont and get that W, and then we’ll be able to run it back, but I and Gervonta were scheduled to fight for sure,” said ‘The Problem Child’ at the kickoff press conference for the Amanda Serrano–Katie Taylor trilogy bout. If there were any lingering doubts about Paul’s claim, Lamont Roach Jr. himself essentially validated it during a conversation with boxing legend Andre Ward. Appearing on All The Smoke Fight, the reigning super featherweight champion revealed that Davis was reportedly in line to make as much as $40 million if a Jake Paul matchup materialized.

Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. 2: Legacy fight in the making?

Speaking to a FightHype reporter, Roach Sr. was asked about the state of the rematch negotiations: “It just seems like Gervonta and Lamont Roach is a rematch that has to happen. I know that there’s been reports of a potential June, maybe in Vegas. Um, you know, nothing is exact. You know, there I haven’t got, like, a media official announcement, so just how close are we looking, and is that a potential, um, that that fight still goes on this year?”

Roach Sr. didn’t hesitate. “I believe it happens. That’s the fight everybody wants to see,” he said. “You know what I’m saying? So we just patiently wait. Um, looking forward to that rematch. Um, a dance with Gervonta is going to be another great fight, even better than the first fight, so just sit back, you know. Hopefully, y’all hear some news soon, you know.”

He also expressed gratitude toward Gervonta Davis for giving Roach Jr. the opportunity in the first place. Especially when public opinion didn’t expect much from the underdog. Considering how close the Jake Paul mega-fight came to potentially derailing the rematch entirely, the admission is quite notable.

To understand what this rematch means for Lamont Roach Jr., it’s crucial to note what he passed up.

The myth of Mercy in the ring

Reportedly, Roach turned down another bout, possibly a title defense, that would have earned him more than he received for the Davis fight. But for Roach, the fight was about legacy, not just the paycheck alone. During his sit-down with Andre Ward, Roach Jr. addressed a growing online narrative that Davis may have taken it easy on him in the first bout. He scoffed at the rumor, especially in light of Davis’s supposed plans with Jake Paul.

“They say he’s supposed to fight Jake Paul next after he was supposed to clean me up.” Roach said. “Jake Paul going to guarantee you about 40 million if the fight is with a notable person, which is ‘Tank’. Why would he take it easy on me? Why would he sacrifice that, especially if he’s talking about retiring and that’s his exit plan? If that’s the case, why would he do that? That’s just that baffles me.”

Roach then posed a rhetorical question. One that cuts to the core of boxing pride: Would any serious fighter risk their legacy, their record, and a multi-million-dollar payday by not giving it their all? His answer: “Absolutely not.” And Andre Ward agreed.

So the table is set. The drama is real. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

What do you think? Can Lamont Roach Jr. deliver the upset and take down Gervonta Davis in the rematch? Or will ‘Tank’ prove why he’s still one of boxing’s most dangerous names?