Lamont Roach appears to be targeting a showdown with one world champion in particular after his planned rematch against Gervonta Davis fell through.
The 30-year-old from Washington, D.C. came within touching distance of becoming the first fighter to defeat WBA lightweight champion ‘Tank’ Davis when they clashed at the Barclays Center in New York City on March 1.
The fight itself was declared a majority decision draw although things could have been very different for Roach following a controversial decision that was made by referee Steve Willis during the ninth round.
‘Tank’ Davis took a knee after being on the receiving end of a Roach jab, but referee Willis failed to rule this as an official knockdown to effectively squander the 30-year-old’s chances of handing Davis the first defeat of his professional career.
It was expected that the duo would then have a rematch at some stage, but a number of factors have now led to that no longer appearing to be the case.
Speaking to Boxing Scene, Roach shared an update on the potential rematch with Davis, as he claims he is ‘moving on’ from the idea of facing his fellow countryman once again.
“That’s what it is and that’s what it’s looking like, again, we haven’t heard from [Davis’] camp specifically when it comes to the business. It is what it is, as far as my future, we are moving on.”
‘The Reaper’ followed this up by claiming that he would be interested in facing reigning WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson next, should this opportunity present itself to the 30-year-old.
“I think apart from the rematch [with Davis] the best fight for me and the best fight for the division is me versus Shakur Stevenson. And to be pretty honest, [Stevenson] said he would take the fight between me and him.
“We talk, and we definitely sat down and said, ‘We’ll do it, for sure’. He’s a competitor and he wants to show that he’s the best. He really doesn’t have any picks, like me, like for real, we will fight each other.”
Stevenson made his return to the ring last month as he outpointed Mexico’s William Zepeda to make the third defence of his WBC crown and extend his unblemished professional record to 24-0.
A fight between Stevenson and Roach would certainly be an interesting affair, with the WBC champion already making it known he would be willing to make the fight happen.
