‘Canceled’—yes, that was the word written all over the Instagram Story that Gervonta Davis shared. The cryptic message sent shock waves across the boxing world. Was he referring to the much-anticipated March 1 showdown against Lamont Roach Jr.? Fans and analysts scrambled for answers. However, Roach Jr. quickly clarified that the fight remains on schedule.

The matchup between the WBA lightweight champion and the super-featherweight titleholder has already faced a postponement. Hence, ‘Tank’ Davis’ shocker left many confused and perhaps concerned. For now, all signs point to it moving forward as planned. Speculation about the fight’s outcome has once again taken center stage. Will Davis continue his undefeated streak, or will Lamont Roach Jr. deliver the upset of the year? With Davis hinting at retirement by the end of the year, this clash has garnered significant attention. Yet, some believe this bout may not be an easy win for Davis.

Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr.: Former Sparring Partner Weighs In

It’s been eight years since Detroit-born Kevin Jerel Johnson started fighting professionally. He has already been through seventeen fights, out of which he emerged victorious in twelve. Among his most famous duels remains the November 2019 clash against Richardson Hitchins. The 32-year-old fighter gained prominence as a sparring partner for reigning champions such as Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson, and Devin Haney.

Weighing in, Johnson told Fight Hype’s Ron Goodall that it is going to be a ‘competitive’ fight between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. Although he has never sparred with Roach Jr. and has only watched a handful of his matches, Johnson acknowledged the Washington, D.C. native’s skill set.

When pressed about a potential winner, Johnson refrained from making a definitive prediction. However, when asked if the fight would end in a knockout, he was more forthcoming. The boxing reporter asked, “At the end of the day, do you at least see a knockout? Do you think the fight ends with a knockout?”

“I don’t think it ends in a knockout,” Johnson replied in one line. While he acknowledged Davis’ devastating knockout power, he suggested that Roach Jr. might not give Davis the opportunity for an early stoppage. “I don’t think he’ll give it to him. He’s going to be moving around; you know what I mean? He’s definitely going to be moving around and trying to survive; you know what I’m saying? I feel like he’s going to be a good survivor,” added Kevin Johnson.

A Battle of Endurance

According to Kevin Johnson, Roach Jr. might aim to weather Davis’ attacks and take the fight the distance. Johnson predicted that Roach Jr. could suffer a knockdown in the middle rounds but would manage to recover and finish the fight. “He got the will to not quit, you know what I mean, and trying not to get knocked out, you know, I see it’s going the distance, honestly,” Johnson emphasized.

Gervonta Davis is a well-known slow starter, often lulling opponents into a false sense of security. However, as seen in previous fights, he gains momentum as the rounds progress. Since his 2022 bout with Rolando Romero, most of Davis’ knockouts have occurred in the latter half of matches.

So it may be too early to predict. If Lamont Roach Jr. manages to last the full 12 rounds, he will join an exclusive group of fighters—including German Meraz and Isaac Cruz—who have gone the distance against one of boxing’s most powerful punchers.

Will Lamont Roach Jr. endure Davis’ onslaught and push the fight to the final bell? Or will Gervonta Davis’ knockout power prove too much to handle? Let us know your thoughts—do you agree with Kevin Johnson’s assessment?