It didn’t take long for the boxing community to turn on WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis after the so-called ‘face of boxing’ went through the wringer against Lamont Roach Jr., a champion from a lower weight class. However, with a few days past, people are slowly coming out of the woodwork to show their support for the Baltimore native.
Roach Jr., of course, belted Davis with counters straight from the depths of hell during their fight in New York to secure a majority decision draw. Despite the official decision, many, including high-profile names, advocated that Roach had won the fight. This is especially because ‘Tank’ took a knee during the 9th round of the fight, which went unpunished by referee Steve Willis. People argue that if the referee had scored the knee as a knockdown, Roach would have won the fight by decision. Now, reports are even suggesting that the New York State Athletic Commission is looking into the matter, and this investigation may overturn the result in Roach’s favor. It’s also worth noting that Davis had claimed that grease from his hair was the culprit behind him taking a knee.
However, Davis’ hairstylist has fired back, insisting his hair was perfectly fine throughout the buildup and accusing him of making an excuse at her expense. Amid this overwhelming flood of criticism, boxing trainer Kevin Cunningham hit back at critics who are questioning Davis’ power. “People are sitting on platforms questioning whether Gervonta [Davis] power is real,” he wrote on X.
People are sitting on platforms questioning whether @Gervontaa power is real. The last time I checked a 93% knockout ratio is real power.
— Kevin Cunningham (@KCBoxTrainer) March 4, 2025
“The last time I checked a 93% knockout ratio is real power,” he added. While it’s true that Davis has a 93% knockout rate, the highest in boxing, he also has the second-lowest punch output per round. This doesn’t become an issue while facing easy opponents, but when someone as skilled as Roach turned out to be—comes along, power alone doesn’t work.
They’re questioning whether the power is real. We all know that a fighter needs more than power to beat talented opponents.
— Kevin Cunningham (@KCBoxTrainer) March 4, 2025
When a fan raised this point, Cunningham responded, claiming, “They’re questioning whether the power is real. We all know that a fighter needs more than power to beat talented opponents.” While Cunningham tries to justify Davis’ performance or the lack of it, Roach’s lawyer has taken further steps to ensure Roach gets justice.
Lamont Roach Jr. requests that NYSAC declare him winner after the Gervonta Davis fight
Lamont Roach Jr. has formally requested that the NYSAC overturn his majority draw against Gervonta Davis and declare him the winner. Roach’s attorney, Greg Smith, submitted a letter arguing that Davis should have been disqualified or at least ruled as having suffered a knockdown in the controversial ninth round.
Despite Davis’ reasoning behind taking the knee, Roach contends that Davis effectively removed himself from the bout and received illegal assistance from his corner. Previously, the NYSAC acknowledged a technical issue that prevented an in-fight video review, which could have confirmed the knockdown.
While the commission has launched an investigation, the likelihood of overturning the result remains uncertain. Both fighters have expressed interest in a potential rematch.
That said, Gervonta Davis is gradually gaining more support in the days following the fight. However, the biggest question remains: will there be a rematch? As of now, it’s still uncertain. Do you agree with Cunningham?
The post Legendary Trainer Reminds Boxing World of Gervonta Davis’ “Real Power” After Lamont Roach Jr. Stuns Everyone appeared first on EssentiallySports.
