The fallout from the Gervonta “Tank” Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. fight has reached a boiling point as Calvin Ford, Davis’ former trainer, broke his silence late Friday night, addressing the shocking bribery allegations exposed by referee Steve Willis. In an emotional interview with *FightHype*, Ford, who parted ways with Davis earlier this week, confirmed the authenticity of a leaked audio recording that implicates the pair in an attempt to bribe Willis during the March 1, 2025, bout at Barclays Center. Ford’s candid revelations, trending on X with #FordTellsTruth at over 8 million views, have plunged boxing into one of its darkest scandals, leaving Davis’ career hanging in the balance.
The controversy erupted when Willis revealed to *Boxing Scene* that he was offered $50,000 by someone from Davis’ camp to “look the other way” during the fight, which ended in a majority draw before the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) overturned it into a loss for Davis, stripping him of his WBA lightweight title. The leaked audio, released on March 4 by *The Ring*, captured Ford telling Davis in the eighth round, “We can fix this—pay the right guy, Tank,” after Davis took a knee in the ninth, citing grease in his eyes—a moment Willis controversially ruled as a non-knockdown. Davis responded, “Man, I can’t see! You tryna cheat now?”
Ford, 59, admitted partial responsibility but shifted much of the blame onto external pressures. “I said those words on the audio, and I regret it—it was a moment of panic,” Ford told *FightHype*. “Tank was struggling with his vision, and I got desperate. Someone from our camp—not me—made the offer to Willis, but I knew about it and didn’t stop it. That’s on me. But Tank didn’t want any part of it; he was focused on fighting.” Ford clarified that the idea originated from a “third party” in their entourage, whom he refused to name, claiming he feared for his safety if he exposed them. “This wasn’t Tank’s doing—he’s a fighter, not a cheater,” Ford insisted.
The NYSAC, already investigating the allegations, confirmed it would expand its probe to include Ford’s claims of a third party’s involvement. “We’re committed to uncovering the full truth,” an NYSAC spokesperson told *ESPN*, noting that sanctions could range from fines to lifetime bans if bribery is proven. Legal experts warn that criminal charges could also follow, with potential penalties including jail time. The WBA has echoed calls for accountability, with president Gilberto Mendoza stating, “Corruption has no place in boxing.”
Reactions on X are polarized, with #FordTellsTruth and #TankBribeScandal dominating trends. “Ford’s throwing Tank under the bus to save himself—he’s just as guilty!” tweeted @BoxingTruth2025, while @TankNation2023 countered, “Ford’s taking the fall for Tank, but who’s this ‘third party’? The real story’s still hidden!” Lamont Roach Jr., now the WBA lightweight champion, blasted the duo on X, saying, “They tried to cheat me out of my win—ban them both!” Meanwhile, Floyd Mayweather Jr., who condemned Davis earlier, doubled down, telling *TMZ*, “I told you Tank’s a disgrace—now the world sees it.”
Davis, now 30-1, has not responded, but the scandal threatens to derail his career. Ford’s admission, while attempting to absolve Davis, has deepened the controversy, leaving the boxing community demanding answers. As the NYSAC digs deeper, the sport braces for potentially seismic consequences that could reshape its integrity.
