Davis Vs Roach: Late Surge Not Enough As Bout Ends In A Draw

Gervonta “Tank” Davis walked into Barclays Center on Saturday night as the heavy favorite, expected to put on another dominant performance. But what unfolded was anything but predictable. Instead of another knockout victory, Davis vs Roach turned into a grueling war, with Lamont Roach Jr. refusing to back down. After 12 hard-fought rounds, the bout ended in a majority draw, stunning fans and leaving both fighters frustrated.

Two judges saw it as an even fight at 114-114, while the third gave Davis a narrow 115-113 edge. Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) kept his WBA lightweight title, but the result felt unfinished. Roach (25-2-1), who came in as the underdog, fought with determination and skill, proving he belonged in the ring with one of boxing’s biggest names.

Roach Surprises with a Strong Start

From the opening bell, Roach showed he wasn’t just here to survive—he came to win. He applied pressure early, throwing quick combinations and moving smartly to avoid Davis’ powerful shots. Known for starting slow, Davis took his time, studying Roach and looking for openings. But this time, his slow start allowed Roach to rack up rounds on the scorecards.

Davis, always dangerous, began landing body shots in the middle rounds, trying to wear Roach down. But Roach stood firm, firing back with counters that kept the champion on edge. The crowd at Barclays Center could sense that this fight wasn’t going to be the one-sided affair many had expected.

The Ninth-Round Controversy: What Really Happened

Then came the ninth round, a moment that had everyone confused. Out of nowhere, Davis took a knee, pausing the action. The referee, Steve Wilkes, hesitated before ultimately deciding not to count it as a knockdown. Davis later claimed that something got in his eye, making it impossible for him to see for a moment.

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Roach, sensing an opportunity, pushed forward aggressively once the fight resumed. He landed clean shots, momentarily staggering Davis. If the referee had ruled the knee as a knockdown, it could have tilted the fight in Roach’s favor. Instead, the fight continued with no official change in the score.

Source: Fight results: Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. fight to a draw

The Final Rounds: A Fight to the Finish

With the fight slipping away, Davis came alive in the championship rounds. He pressed forward, swinging heavy punches, hoping to secure a late knockout. But Roach refused to break. He absorbed Davis’ best shots and kept coming forward, landing crisp counters and keeping himself in the fight. The final moments were electric, with both fighters trading punches in the center of the ring, refusing to give an inch.

When the final bell rang, there was no clear winner. Both fighters had their moments, and neither had done quite enough to take complete control. The crowd waited anxiously for the decision, only to be met with the announcement of a draw—a result that left both men visibly frustrated.

Davis vs Roach: Late Surge Not Enough as Bout Ends in a Draw

What’s Next: Will There Be a Rematch

Immediately after the fight, both Davis and Roach called for a rematch. Davis, who has built his reputation on knockouts, was clearly unhappy with his performance. Roach, on the other hand, now sees himself as a true contender, ready for another shot at the belt.

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For Davis, this fight raised some questions. His slow start nearly cost him, and his inability to secure a knockout showed that he might need to make some adjustments before facing tougher competition. For Roach, this was a career-defining moment. He proved that he can hang with the best, and his stock in the lightweight division has risen significantly.

A rematch seems inevitable, and this time, both fighters will have something to prove. Davis will want to reassert his dominance, while Roach will be looking to show that his performance wasn’t just a one-night surprise.

Final Thoughts: A Fight That No One Expected

This wasn’t the fight that fans expected, but it was one they won’t forget. Instead of another knockout win for Davis, they got a thrilling battle between two warriors who refused to back down. The ninth-round controversy, the back-and-forth exchanges, and the final result all made this fight one of the most intriguing of the year.

If the rematch happens, it will be one of the most highly anticipated fights in recent memory. Both Davis and Roach have unfinished business, and the boxing world will be watching closely to see how it all plays out.