A rematch between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach is reportedly on the verge of being finalised.
Their first encounter, which took place in New York City on March 1, ended with ‘Tank’ Davis successfully defending his WBA world lightweight title after what was a controversial twelve rounds.
The fight was declared a split decision draw but the result could have been very different. Davis took a knee to the canvas midway through the ninth round after being on the receiving end of a Roach jab, but referee Steve Willis failed to rule this an official knockdown, effectively squandering Roach’s chances of becoming the new champion.
In an interview with ESNEWS, former Davis opponent Ryan Garcia, who was beaten by ‘Tank’ when they clashed back in 2023, backed his rival to get the job done in his rematch with Roach.
“I got Tank. I think he’ll put on a different gear. I think he just thought it would be easier than it was and thought Roach would fold and he didn’t. Now he should expect a harder fight and I think he wins the rematch.”
It appears that not everyone believes ‘Tank’ is capable of prevailing in the rematch however, as WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson revealed in an interview with KO Artist Sports that he is backing Roach to be victorious this time around.
“I like Lamont in the rematch.
“I sparred with Lamont and I knew that he was a good fighter. He helped me get ready for the Oscar Valdez fight, and I knew his style with Tank’s style what he was going to be able to bring to the table.
“They’re both good fighters, and it’s going to be a hell of a fight, truthfully they both good fighters. It was the same Tank we’ve seen throughout his entire career, he’s the same fighter and he’ll be the same throughout his career.”
An official announcement is expected to be made in the coming weeks, although the rematch is expected to take place in Las Vegas on Saturday August 16.
