Boxer Gervonta Davis faced a controversial moment during his recent fight against Lamont Roach in New York, where he managed to keep his WBA lightweight title despite an unusual incident in the ninth round.
In that round, Davis voluntarily dropped to one knee, claiming that grease from a recent haircut had gotten into his eye. He leaned over the ropes to allow his team to wipe his face. This act raised eyebrows as Roach argued that it should have been counted as a knockdown. If the referee had ruled it a knockdown, Davis would have lost a point, potentially leading to his first professional defeat.
The fight ended in a majority draw, with one judge scoring it 115-113 in favor of Davis, while the other two judges saw it as a 114-114 tie. This outcome meant that Davis retained his title, much to Roach’s disappointment. Roach expressed his frustration, stating, "If that was a knockdown, I win the fight." He felt strongly that the rules should apply consistently, emphasizing that taking a knee should warrant a count from the referee.
The incident sparked reactions from other fighters as well. Terence Crawford, a multi-division champion, voiced his surprise, saying he had never seen a fighter take a knee without it being counted as a knockdown.
After the fight, Roach called for a rematch, recognizing Davis as a skilled opponent. Davis acknowledged Roach’s talent and expressed a willingness to fight him again, saying it was a valuable learning experience.
The fight has left fans and analysts debating the rules and fairness in boxing, particularly regarding what constitutes a knockdown. As the dust settles, both fighters seem open to a future showdown, which could provide clarity on this contentious moment.