“Technical difficulties” prevented a prompt review of the controversial scene in round nine of the world championship duel between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach.
The majority draw after twelve rounds in the fight on March 1 between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach has caused controversy. A timely review of the scene when the WBA champ took a hit in the ninth and voluntarily went to his knee was not possible for technical reasons. Referee Steve Willis had not counted Roach’s punch as a knockdown during the fight.
Decision of the referee adopted
When asked by BoxingScene, the New York State Athletic Commission said that technical problems had prevented them from viewing the footage in time to make a decision. It therefore initially accepted Willis’ decision.
“At this time, the New York State Athletic Commission is reviewing the matter related to Saturday’s bout between Lamont Roach and Gervonta Davis. During the round in question, there was a technical issue that prevented the Commission from obtaining the video replay within the allotted time after requesting it,” the statement reads. Therefore, the decision of the referee in the ring was taken as a basis and the fight continued.
Roach would have won
The WBA World Lightweight Championship between defending champion Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach ended in a majority draw, with Davis retaining his world championship belt. Two judges had scored the ninth round 10:9 in favor of Davis. However, if this round had been scored 10:8 in favor of Roach – as would be customary in a knockdown – and if all other rounds had been scored the same as on this evening, Roach would have won unanimously with 115:112, 114:113 and 114:113 points.
Text: Frank Schwantes