After nearly a week of endless debates, speculation, and what-ifs, the boxing world can finally catch its breath. Three years ago, if anyone had predicted that Gervonta Davis would be down on one knee inside the ring, they’d have been laughed out of the room. But time has a way of humbling even the best. No, Davis didn’t lose—but his unbeatable aura wavered on March 1st when he voluntarily took a knee. To Lamont Roach Jr., that moment was as good as a victory, prompting him to push the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) for a full review.
However, as of yesterday, NYSAC has spoken—Roach won’t be declared the winner. The official scorecards will stand as they were: With Glenn Feldman and Steve Weisfeld scoring it as 114-114, and judge Eric Marlinski giving it 115-113, resulting in a draw. Unsurprisingly, Roach isn’t happy with the verdict. So, what’s next? The answer is as clear as day: a rematch.
A Possible Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach rematch?
Not too long ago, Boxing Kingdom set social media ablaze with an update on X. “Lamont Roach hinting that Gervonta Davis has activated the immediate rematch clause,” the caption read. The post included a direct message from Roach’s own X account—“Part 2…”
As simple as it may seem, real boxing fans know that those two words carry the weight of an entire fight. That March 1st bout in Brooklyn? It didn’t just hand Roach a loss, it also took away the recognition he was sure he deserved. So now, with unfinished business hanging in the air, the only real move is to run it back. One more fight, settle it once and for all.
Lamont Roach hinting that Gervonta Davis has activated the immediate rematch clause. pic.twitter.com/If80sF84mN
— Boxing Kingdom (@BoxingKingdom14) March 6, 2025
However, the real question is, will Gervonta Davis actually step in to fight Lamont Roach Jr., or will Shakur Stevenson have to prove himself if Tank decides to back out? And if we’re really taking Davis at his word, we might even see Jake Paul squaring up with the WBA World Lightweight Champ. Wild, right? But in boxing, the unexpected is just another Tuesday. One thing’s for sure, though. The rematch is happening. Davis took his sweet time deciding, but just a few days ago, he made it clear that he wants it by the end of May.
Now, let’s talk about the actual problem here. We all saw Tank take a knee. He swears it was because grease dripped into his eyes and messed up his vision, but if his knee hit the canvas, why wasn’t that round given to Roach? Feels like a fair question. Luckily, ESPN’s Mike Coppinger has the answer.
Did NYSAC Get It Wrong?
Earlier today, Mike Coppinger took to X and posted, “The New York State Athletic Commission has upheld the Gervonta Davis-Lamont Roach result following the controversial Round 9, per a ruling obtained by ESPN. “Since the bout continued for more than 3 full rounds after the referee’s no knockdown call, and because the boxers necessarily adjusted to the referee’s ruling, the referee’s call was not outcome-determinative.”
The New York State Athletic Commission has upheld the Gervonta Davis-Lamont Roach result following the controversial Round 9, per a ruling obtained by ESPN.
“Since the bout continued for more than 3 full rounds after the referee’s no knockdown call, and because the boxers…
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) March 8, 2025
NYSAC ruled in Davis’ favor, refusing to give Roach that round. Many are sympathetic towards Roach but mind you, it’s not just his fans. Canelo Alvarez was blunt: Round 9 was in Roach’s hand, and should’ve been 10-8 in his favor. Alvarez spotted another miss on the organizers end. Gervonta Davis’ coach, Calvin Ford climbed onto the corner mid-round to wipe Davis’ face. Now, that is in violation of the rules. “That’s a disqualification for sure,” the Mexican champion stated without hesitation.
However, with the chances of a rematch looking pretty solid, there’s no point in dwelling on the past. The real question is, who wins it this time? Teofimo Lopez thinks Davis needed this kind of fight to wake up and get back on track, especially if he’s got Stevenson in his sights next. Now, it doesn’t matter if Shakur or Roach standing across from him, fans expect to see the unbeatable Tank this time. Meanwhile, Roach, still fired up over NYSAC shutting down his appeal, now has even more reason to prove he belongs among the sport’s elite.
So, what’s your take? Will Roach use this as motivation to shock the world, or will Davis come back sharper than ever?
The post 2-Word Message Almost Confirms Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. Rematch as NYSAC Announces Final Judgment appeared first on EssentiallySports.
