Boxing: Davis-Roach Jr. Lightweight Title Bout Ends in Controversial Draw

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Fireworks from start to finish, a chess match between two technical fighters, but the result wasn’t warmly accepted by the majority.

In a loud and jam-packed Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Gervonta “Tank” Davis was looking to extend his unbeaten boxing streak and defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight title against the steady and poised Lamont Roach Jr. on February 2, 2025.

After 12 rounds of intense exchanges, everyone was on the edge of their seat while waiting for the official scorecards but a loud and prolonged “boo” filled every stand when the ring announcer said that the match was judged as a majority draw.

The first judge had it 115-113 in favor of Davis, but the last two scored the bout 114-all, resulting in a majority draw decision.

Everyone was in disbelief as they thought that Roach Jr. almost pulled off the upset after flipping the switch from rounds nine to 12.

Roach Jr. showed that he was prepared for Tank and displayed an efficient jab game that connected at will until the final bell rang in the 12th round.

Known as a slow starter, Davis became a moving target for Roach Jr. as the challenger earned the nods of the ringside judges after unleashing a barrage of jabs in the first two rounds.

However, Davis came back and heated up in his pet rounds from fourth to eighth, tagging Roach Jr. with a variety of combinations that always ended up with his signature left hand.

Just when Davis thought he could finish off Roach Jr. in the ninth, the brave challenger stepped up in the bright lights and snatched away the momentum when he hit the defending champion with snappy counter hooks and a series of 1-2 jab combinations.

Roach Jr. picked up his confidence in the championship rounds and maintained his pace, hitting Davis with surprising uppercuts that prevented him from setting up his big left straight.

The sequence went on until the 12th, and Davis fans in attendance started to pick up the tension when Roach Jr. tagged him with several right hands and stood his ground when the champion unleashed vicious body shots.

In some unofficial scorecards, Roach Jr. won the fight, 114-113, while others also gave the fight to the challenger with a score of 115-113.

“This is every day for me. It’s like this. I’ve been cut like this. I’m a little disappointed. I thought I pulled it out. I definitely thought I won. We can run it back,” said Roach Jr. after the controversial majority draw decision.

Tank then gave Roach Jr. the respect he deserved, saying that he is a skilled fighter who possesses power. He also demanded a rematch to settle the unfinished business as soon as possible.

“For sure, Lamont is a great fighter. Hopefully, we can run it back. Let’s have a rematch in New York. Hopefully, we can get a rematch,” said Davis.