In a night full of fireworks at the Barclays Center, WBA lightweight champion Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) escaped with his unbeaten record intact following a controversial majority draw against Lamont Roach (25-1-2, 10 KOs). The fight was marked by razor-thin rounds and heated exchanges, leaving fans and analysts divided.
Roach’s camp and supporters were vocal about what they saw as a robbery, citing his consistent aggression, clean combinations, and a questionable referee decision in Round 9 when Davis was not given a count after taking a knee. With public sentiment demanding a rematch, Davis dropped a bombshell in the post-fight presser, firmly stating he had no plans to run it back with Roach.
Instead, Tank hinted at a blockbuster move, alluding to his next opponent being someone who visited him pre-fight—none other than YouTube sensation-turned-boxer Jake Paul. While unconventional, a Tank vs. Jake matchup has undeniable box-office appeal, blending Davis’ lethal skillset with Paul’s massive crossover fanbase.
However, purists argue that Tank’s potential pivot away from Roach tarnishes his legacy and sidesteps unresolved business. Meanwhile, Roach has emerged as a breakout star despite the draw, showcasing grit and precision against the powerful champion, and further elevating his claim for a rematch.
The fight itself was a tactical chess match early before morphing into a slugfest. Roach’s steady pressure and well-timed counters in the middle rounds gave him the edge on many scorecards, while Davis relied on explosive combinations and bodywork to claw back in the championship rounds.
The decision leaves a bitter taste for many, but as Davis charts his next path, the Roach camp has made it clear: the story isn’t over. Whether Davis eventually revisits this chapter or forges ahead with a high-profile bout against Jake Paul, one thing is certain—fans will be watching every move.
