The New York State Athletic Commission has initiated a formal review of Saturday’s lightweight contest between Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Lamont Roach, following a contentious ruling in the ninth round that significantly impacted the fight’s outcome.

The focal point of the investigation centers on an incident where Davis voluntarily took a knee. Initially, referee Steve Willis began a mandatory 10-count, signaling a potential knockdown, as Davis retreated to his corner for assistance with a reported issue of “grease” obstructing his vision. However, Willis ultimately opted not to score the knockdown, thereby avoiding a crucial point deduction on the scorecards.

Davis attributed the incident to hair product dripping into his eyes, claiming he sought a temporary cessation of action to mitigate potential damage. This decision, however, proved decisive. The bout concluded in a majority draw, with two judges scoring it 114-114. Had the knockdown been correctly scored, Roach would have secured a majority decision victory.

In a statement released Monday to MMA Fighting, the commission acknowledged the controversy and confirmed its investigation.3 “At this time, the New York State Athletic Commission is reviewing the matter involving Saturday’s match up between Lamont Roach and Gervonta Davis,” the statement read. “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. Therefore, the referee’s in-ring decision was relied upon and the fight continued.”

The commission’s statement highlights a critical procedural failure: a technical malfunction that prevented real-time video review of the incident. This malfunction forced the referee to rely solely on his immediate perception, a decision that has now come under scrutiny. The commission’s ongoing review will likely examine the referee’s decision-making process, the technical failure that impeded replay access, and the broader implications for officiating standards. This investigation underscores the importance of technological reliability and procedural integrity in high-stakes boxing matches.

Commission Vows Technical Improvements Amid Davis-Roach Review; Rematch Looms

The New York State Athletic Commission has pledged to enhance its technical infrastructure to prevent future disruptions following a controversial ruling in the Gervonta “Tank” Davis vs. Lamont Roach bout. The commission’s statement emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of combative sports.

“The commission is dedicated to preserving the integrity of combative sports and is committed to working with all promotions and production teams — on behalf of the athletes, officials, and fans – to ensure technical issues do not occur in the future that prevent the delivery of ringside instant replay feeds to the commission’s officials when needed,” the statement read.

This declaration follows the revelation that a technical malfunction prevented commission officials from accessing real-time replay footage during the pivotal ninth round, where Davis’s voluntary knee down raised questions of a potential knockdown. The commission is currently reviewing the incident, though it remains unclear whether any pending decision could retroactively alter the official result of the majority draw.

Despite the disappointing outcome, Lamont Roach has expressed a strong desire for a rematch. Entering the fight as a significant underdog, Roach nearly secured an upset victory, fueling his determination for a second opportunity.

Gervonta Davis has responded positively to Roach’s challenge, signaling his willingness for a rematch. Davis publicly stated via social media, “And say no more. I’m pushing for the rematch … the rematch can be soon too, like end of May.” This prompt response indicates a mutual interest in resolving the controversy in the ring, potentially providing a definitive conclusion to their closely contested encounter. The possibility of a swift rematch, potentially as early as late May, suggests a concerted effort to capitalize on the heightened interest generated by their initial bout.