The boxing world is in shock after an explosive incident that took place last night in a promotional event in New York, where the former lightweight gervonta “Tank” Davis (30-0-1, 28 kos) physically attacked his rival Lamont Roach Jr. (24-2-2, 9 kos). The altercation occurs in the middle of a hot controversy about the cancellation of its expected rematch, ordered by the World Boxing Association (WBA), and has unleashed chaos that threatens with even more sport with shaking the sport.

The origin of the controversy

The tension between Davis and Roach dates back to his fight of March 1, 2025 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, which ended in a majority draw (114-114, 114-114, 115-113 in favor of Davis). The result was very controversial, especially by an incident in the ninth assault when Davis knelt after receiving a burst of Roach’s blows, but referee Steve Willis did not consider it a demolition, which caused outrage in the Roach’s team and in fans. Roach and his team presented a formal protest, claiming that the ruling was unfair, and the WBA ordered an immediate rematch to resolve the controversy.

However, on March 26, 2025, the WBA canceled the rematch due to contractual disputes between Davis’s team and the organization, a decision that left both fighters and furious fans. To top it off, on March 27, the president of the WBA, Gilberto Mendoza Jr., withdrew Davis’s boxing license for refusing to comply with the revenge order, leaving his career in a limbo. Since then, the animosity between Davis and Roach has reached explosive levels, with both exchanging insults in social networks and interviews.

The attack that unleashed chaos

The incident occurred during a promotional event in New York, where Davis and Roach were scheduled to participate in a press conference to discuss the future of their rivalry. According to witnesses, the situation got out of control when Roach, when he took the stage, caused Davis saying: “You can’t face me in the ring, so the WBA had to save you again.” Davis, visibly enraged, replied shouting: “I’m going to show you who I am right now!” Before the security could intervene, Davis pounced on Roach, punching him that knocked him to the ground.

Chaos exploded immediately. Members of both teams met, while those attending the event, including journalists and fans, tried to capture the moment in video. The images, which have become viral on social networks, show Roach raising rapidly and trying to counterattack, but security managed to separate them before the situation climbed even more. Roach suffered a cut on the lip, but no serious injuries were reported.

Immediate reactions

Lamont Roach Jr. soon responded, heading to the media minutes after the incident. “This demonstrates who Gervonta is really: a coward who cannot control his emotions,” said Roach, with blood still visible on his face. “He can’t fight me in the ring, so he turns to this. That WBA suspends him for life.” Roach also announced that he plans to present legal charges against Davis for aggression, which could further complicate the former scam situation.

For his part, Davis, who was escorted out of the place by his team, published a video on Instagram shortly after, showing little Remors. “Lamont had what he deserved,” said Davis, still visibly agitated. “Keep speaking garbage, but you can’t support it in the ring. The next time I see it, there will be no security to save it.” His words have generated a wave of criticism, with many accusing him of unsportsmanlike behavior and further damaging his reputation.

The impact on boxing

The incident has put WBA in a complicated position. The organization already faced criticism for its initial fighting and the cancellation of the rematch, and now faces increasing pressure to take measures against Davis. Boxing analyst Teddy Atlas, in his podcast, described Davis’s behavior as “unacceptable” and asked for a suspension for life. “This is not what boxing represents,” said Atlas. “Davis is out of control, and WBA needs to send a clear message.”

Fans are also divided. In X, some supported Davis, with a user writing: “Tank is not missing respect. Lamont looked for him.” Others, however, condemned their actions, with a comment that said: “Gervonta is ruining his legacy. This is shameful for sport.” The altercation video has accumulated more than 5 million views in less than 12 hours, becoming one of the most viral boxing moments in 2025.

An uncertain future for both fighters

For Gervonta Davis, this incident could have devastating consequences. Already without WBA license, it faces the possibility of additional sanctions, including fines and a possible suspension of other boxing organizations such as WBC or WBO. In addition, if Roach continues with legal positions, Davis could face a new judicial process, adding to his previous legal problems, which include a probation violation in Baltimore earlier this month.

Lamont Roach Jr., on the other hand, has gained public sympathy with this incident, but his focus is now to seek justice both inside and out of the ring. His team has asked the WBA to declare Roach as the legitimate lightweight champion, arguing that Davis has shown that he does not deserve the title. However, with the lightweight division in a state of uncertainty, Roach could have to face other contestants such as Shakur Stevenson or Devin Haney to solidify his position.

A dark chapter in boxing

The attack by Gervonta Davis to Lamont Roach has marked a new dark chapter in his rivalry and in boxing in general. What began as a sports controversy has climbed into a physical confrontation that could have lasting repercussions for both fighters. While the boxing world awaits the next WBA actions and the possible legal consequences, one thing is safe: the animosity between Davis and Roach is far from finishing, and its next meeting, either in the ring or in court, promises to be equally explosive.