On Saturday, March 1, a 19,000 sold-out crowd in Barclays Center and millions of boxing fans at their home, watched one of the most controversial moments in recent memory. Not only did Lamont Roach take Gervonta Davis – one of the finest pound-for-pound ever- to his limit, but according to many fans, he was also the rightful winner. It was a closely contested bout at all times, with little to separate the two. However, the point of contention came in the ninth round when Tank took a knee in the middle of the ring before approaching his corner. Surprisingly, the referee didn’t call it a knockdown according to the rules and let the WBA lightweight champion take care of the grease that was troubling him.

Well, as expected, the decision has created an uproar in the boxing community. Most fans and experts have cited their opinion opposing the refereeing decision. The uproar has forced the New York Athletic Commission to review the decision. And it looks like Lamont Roach is confident that the result will favor him.

Gervonta Davis’ first official loss could be on the cards

On Monday, The Reaper took to ‘X’ to give an update regarding the ongoing investigation by NYSAC. While the Washington native has expressed his desire for a rematch to prove himself, he won’t be against an official review. A review that can not only improve his record but will provide him with the justice that he seeks. And it looks like he is quite confident about it. He wrote, “Word round the block yall fav fight finna be 30-1 not 30-0-1… 🫣,” claiming that some insider sources have told him that the NYSAC review might favor him.

This favorable outcome could result in Gervonta Davis losing his first professional fight since making his debut more than a decade ago. Furthermore, Roach is also not oblivious to the fact that if the fight result is overturned, it would make him “2X x 2 Division champ.” He already holds the WBA super featherweight title in 2023. If NYSAC overturns the refereeing decision, he would also claim Tank’s WBA lightweight title. A feat that would propel him to stardom, as he would be the only one able to claim a victory over the Marylander.

While Roach is confident about the decision coming in his favor, the commission has revealed why Gervonta Davis’s taking a knee didn’t amount to a knockdown.

Technical glitch that robbed Lamont Roach of glory

According to a NYSAC spokesperson, they couldn’t review the ninth-round incident, courtesy of a technical glitch. While talking to ESPN, the spokesperson claimed, “During the round in question, following the commission’s request for the replay video, there was a technical issue preventing the commission from receiving it within the allotted time for review.” 

The glitch couldn’t have come at a worse time, and because of it, “the referee’s in-ring decision was relied up and the fight continued,” claimed the spokesperson. Had the NYSAC been able to review the replay, it might have tipped the scales against Gervonta Davis, potentially handing him a defeat. Instead, it was Lamont Roach who was robbed of a triumphant moment.

Lamont Roach must be hoping for NYSAC to receive the proper replay so that the commission can re-assess the situation. However, on the other hand, things couldn’t have been any worse for Gervonta Davis. Not only the March 1 bout has hurt his credibility as a force to reckon with, this controversy is also hurting his legacy.

Do you think NYSAC will overturn referee decision after the review? Let us know your thoughts down below.