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The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) has begun a review into Gervonta Davis’s draw with Lamont Roach Jr on Saturday, after Davis took a knee but was spared a knockdown ruling.
In the ninth round of Davis’s WBA lightweight title defence, the champion took a knee after a punch from Roach, before rushing to his corner and asking for his face to be wiped. Referee Steve Willis lectured Davis but ruled no knockdown, as Roach vented his frustration.
A knockdown ruling from the referee or the judges – who also refrained from penalising Davis – would have handed Roach a win, instead of the actual majority draw in Brooklyn. It would also have ruined Davis’s perfect record.
“Tank” Davis offered the excuse that “grease” from his hair was “burning” his eyes, but he nonetheless said he would pursue a rematch, as did Roach. Now, the NYSAC has said a review is under way, which could result in the outcome of the fight being changed.
“At this time, the NYSAC is reviewing the matter involving Saturday’s match up between Lamont Roach and Gervonta Davis,” read a statement sent to multiple publications.
“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. Therefore, the referee’s in-ring decision was relied upon and the fight continued.
“The commission is dedicated to preserving the integrity of combative sports and is committed to working with all promotions and production teams – on behalf of the athletes, officials, and fans – to ensure technical issues do not occur in the future that prevent the delivery of ringside instant replay feeds to the commission’s officials when needed.”
