LAMONT Roach Jr says he is “not surprised” but “disappointed” at the New York State Athletic Commission’s to uphold the result from his fight against Gervonta Davis.
On March 1 Roach, 25-1-2 (10 KOs), put his reign as WBA Super Featherweight champion on hold to move up to lightweight and challenge ‘Tank’ for his WBA bauble. A heavy underdog beforehand Roach ripped up any pre-fight predictions and assumptions that Davis would win and prove too much for the 29-year-old.
The bout ended in a majority draw but there was huge controversy surrounding the fight following the events of round nine. During the round Roach appeared to catch Davis with a shot who then took a brief knee before going to his corner to get his face wiped. Referee Steve Willis started to give Davis an eight-count but stopped ruling it was not a knockdown.
Davis, 30-0-1 (28 KOs), afterwards said that grease from his hair had ran down into his eyes and needed cleaned up.
Judges Glenn Feldman, Eric Marlinski and Steve Weisfeld scored the contest 114-114, 113-115 (to Davis) and 114-114, respectively. The ninth round was scored 10-9 to Davis by Feldman and Marlinski while Weisfeld gave it to Davis.
On Friday the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) reviewed the fight following a protest from Roach’s team but chose to uphold the original result. The outcome, therefore, was not overturned.
Roach, whose reputation has soared because of his performance, responded to the outcome on X saying, “I’m not surprised about the decision by the NYSAC. A lil disappointed, yea. Especially when they ACKNOWLEDGED the fact that Steve made the wrong calls in the 9th round. But I wasn’t banking on the overturn. Everyone know I won the fight and I’m satisfied with that.”
During the post-fight press conference Davis acknowledged that a rematch should be next but did not think it would be. The champion, however, does have a rematch clause which would give him a second chance to defeat Roach.
