Gervonta Davis has confirmed that he will take an immediate rematch with Lamont Roach Jr following a controversial draw, but that was not always the plan.
‘Tank’ Davis kept hold of his WBA Lightweight World Title in Brooklyn after twelve closely fought rounds with Roach – who was making his debut in the division – with scores of 115-113 to Davis and 114-114, 114-114.
The challenger was particularly hard done by due to Davis taking a knee in the ninth and referee Steve Willis failing to call a knockdown to make it a 10-8 round. Had he done so, and all other scores remained the same, Roach would have left the ring the champion on a points decision.
His team’s efforts to have the result overturned were denied by the New York State Athletic Commission, but the furore in the aftermath has led ‘Tank’ to change his plans and commit to second fight.
Dan Rafael has now confirmed what many thought, that the big puncher from Baltimore was readying a bout with YouTuber-turned-fighter Jake Paul had he beat Roach as the bookmakers, analysts and fans expected.
Via Fight Freaks Unite, the veteran boxing journalist reported the details before revealing that the rematch is now being targeted for late June.
“… Had Davis won, his next ring assignment was likely to have been an exhibition bout against Jake Paul, multiple sources involved in the now-dissolved talks told Fight Freaks Unite.
“The Davis side broke off discussions following the draw with WBA junior lightweight titlist Roach because Davis elected to invoke his contractual right to an immediate rematch in the event of a loss or a draw.”
Paul being ringside had already created speculation, and ‘Tank’s refusal to deny that he was set to face the 28-year-old next during his post-fight press conference spoke volumes.
It is the second high profile bout to fall through for Paul this year after talks with unified super-middleweight world champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez collapsed, with the Mexican instead opting to stick to the traditional side of the sport and sign a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season. At the time, Paul accused Canelo of ‘ducking’ him:
“Canelo Alvarez ducked me. It’s not surprising when his whole career he has done nothing for the sport of boxing outside the ring. I’m the new face of boxing.”
Paul – who is coming off a controversial points win over 58-year-old Mike Tyson – will continue to look for his next big name.
