In the eyes of many, Gervonta Davis is lucky to still be a world champion following a controversial bout with Lamont Roach Jr.
Though the action throughout was competitive, ‘Tank’ Davis took a knee in the ninth round – later explaining that ‘grease’ from a recent hair appointment had got into his eye – before returning to his corner, having his coach wipe his face and then continuing the fight.
Despite referee Steve Willis initially starting a count, he did not score a knockdown after a brief chat with the champion. Had he acted by the rulebook, Roach would have won the fight on the scorecards rather than being served a majority draw for Davis to keep hold of his WBA Lightweight World title.
Speaking on Hot 97, Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez revealed that he scored the fight a draw but that there was no doubt ‘Tank’ should have been disqualified, thus losing his belt and undefeated record.
“Yeah, in my opinion it was a draw. He [took] a knee. And plus the corner go up and put a towel in his face. That’s a disqualification. For sure. I’m talking about the rules, but it’s not my business.”
The WBA is currently determining whether or not to order an immediate rematch, though Davis himself has said he is pushing for it regardless of any decisions from the sanctioning body. Of course, Roach wants it too.
As for Canelo, he returns to action against William Scull on May 3 in Saudi Arabia, looking to pick back up the IBF belt that he was stripped of last year. A win makes him a two-time undisputed champion in the super-middleweight division and adds extra intrigue to his mega fight with Terence Crawford, already booked for September in Las Vegas.
