Gervonta “Tank” Davis’ defense of his WBA lightweight title against Lamont Roach Jr. ended in a surprising majority draw at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on Saturday night.
Two judges scored the bout even at 114-114, while a third saw it 115-113 in favor of Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs), the heavy favorite heading into the fight. Despite expectations that Davis would dispatch Roach quickly, the challenger stood firm, absorbing Davis’ powerful blows and responding with punches that not only rocked “Tank,” but left the crowd stunned.
Davis, known for his explosive starts, had a slower-than-expected opening to the fight, allowing Roach (25-2-1) to seize control in the early rounds. Roach pressed the action, showing impressive defense and avoiding the kind of fight-ending punch many had predicted would come.
As the rounds progressed, Davis began to find his rhythm, unleashing his trademark offense. However, Roach continued to hold his ground, catching the champion with sharp counters and effective combinations.
In an odd twist, Davis took a knee in the ninth round, citing something in his eye. Referee Steve Wilkes did not rule it a knockdown, and the fight continued. That moment could have swayed the fight in Roach’s favor had it been scored differently.
Determined to end the fight on his terms, Davis came out aggressively in the championship rounds, but Roach refused to back down, landing solid counters and digging to the body.
Both fighters left the ring dissatisfied with the outcome, with Davis and Roach each calling for a rematch after what was a hard-fought, action-packed bout.
Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach full card results
- Gervonta Davis (c) vs. Lamont Roach ends in a majority decision draw for the WBA lightweight title (115-113 for Davis, 114-114, 114-114)
- Gary Antuanne Russell def. Jose Valenzuela (c) via unanimous decision for the WBA super lightweight title (119-09, 119-109, 120-108)
- Alberto Puello (c) def. Sandor Martin via split decision for the WBC super lightweight title (113-115, 115-113, 116-112)
- Yoenis Tellez def. Julian Williams via unanimous decision for the interim WBA super welterweight title (118-110, 117-111, 119-109)
- Johan Gonzalez def. Jarrett Hurd via split decision (96-94, 94-96, 98-92)
- David Whitmire def. Angel Munoz via unanimous decision
- Deric Davis def. Jamal Johnson via TKO
