The boxing world is not just celebrating the new launch of Dana White’s boxing league with Saudi Arabia, but right now, it has other problems to handle. The hottest topic in the boxing game right now? Gervonta Davis and his battle against Lamont Roach Jr. under the scorching bright lights of Barclays Center in New York. As you might already be aware, the Baltimore native was having some trouble with the fight. Not only was he unsuccessful in knocking out ‘The Reaper,’ but many are calling it the worst performance of his career.

However, his lackluster performance was not the only thing that aggravated the fans. There was something worse – yes, you read that right. The night was set ablaze by the most bizarre and unexpected move that he decided to pull on the 9th round.

Roach had successfully landed a shot at Davis, but all of a sudden, the latter dropped to his knees just like the characters do in action movies. To add a cherry on top, he even ran to his corner mid-fight, needing to have his face wiped after a hair product that he had applied trickled into his eyes, blurring his vision. Davis blamed his hair product and said that he had to take a voluntary knee in the fight because his eyes were stinging when the hair product fell onto his eyes.

Referee Steve Willis, however, permitted Davis to continue the fight despite telling him that taking a knee “looks like a knockdown.” However, another veteran referee from the UFC thinks that this was not right. During the Weighing In podcast, former MMA referee ‘Big’ John McCarthy had some things to point out. He said, “I don’t know what went through Willis’ (referee) head why he didn’t take it. But can’t call timeout, and the thing is, Gervonta said you know he had stuff from his hair.  That was getting in his eyes, I’m not saying that’s not true. I believe him. That’s on you, dude. You are responsible for what’s in your hair. Because that stuff in your hair can also get into other fighters’ eyes. But that’s for you to deal with.”

Many fans agreed with him, and even New York’s State Athletic Commission got involved. “During the round in question, following the commission’s request for the replay video, there was a technical issue preventing the commission from receiving it within the allotted time for review,” a New York State Athletic Commission spokeswoman stated. “Therefore, the referee’s in-ring decision was relied upon, and the fight continued.”

The fight ended as a majority draw, with one of the judges scoring the fight 115-113 in ‘Tanks’ favor and the other two scoring it 114-114. Roach was also convinced that he should have been the winner. The WBA Super Featherweight champion said the rules state that if a boxer voluntarily takes the knee, then it’s an automatic count.  Now, what does legendary trainer Andre Rozier have to say about this? Because he cracked the code behind why Davis did what he did.

Andre Rozier breaks down the reason for Davis’ lackluster performance

“I had to watch the fight again. But I know ‘Tank’ was not focused for this one, not one bit,” Rozier said, talking to YSM Sports Media. “Lamont did everything he had to do to be a viable and live dog, which he was, and the knee threw another pound of salt into the controversy.” 

He also explained that he was not sure what the Commission would do after the results had already been declared. However, he sent a personal message to Davis. “You know, I’m a ‘Tank’ fan. He’s one of the nephews, but he’s going to have to focus up and get on this game,” Rozier explained. He addressed the fighter with 30 wins and said that he needed to stop worrying about the people outside and just focus on boxing. ‘You got to do it. It’s the only way he’s going to be right.”

However, NYSAC is scrutinising the fight, and all we can do is wait for their decision. But do you think they will overturn this win for Davis?