Lamont Roach’s Legal Team Demands Justice: Calls for New York Commission to Overturn Gervonta Davis Fight Result

The boxing world is buzzing with controversy as Lamont Roach’s legal team has taken a bold step to challenge the outcome of his recent clash with Gervonta “Tank” Davis. Following a contentious majority draw on March 1, 2025, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Roach’s attorneys have formally petitioned the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) to reevaluate the fight’s result. Their request? A decisive ruling in Roach’s favor, citing three potential outcomes that could rewrite the narrative of this high-stakes WBA lightweight title bout. With tensions rising and the stakes higher than ever, this move could reshape both fighters’ legacies—and the sport itself.

The drama stems from a pivotal moment in the ninth round, when Davis, the reigning WBA lightweight champion, dropped to a knee and retreated to his corner without a timeout being called. Claiming that grease from his hair—applied days earlier—was burning his eyes, Davis allowed his trainer, Calvin Ford, to wipe his face mid-round. Referee Steve Willis, however, failed to count this as a knockdown or penalize Davis for the infraction, a decision that has since sparked outrage among fans and experts alike. The fight ended in a majority draw, with scorecards reading 115-113 for Davis and two at 114-114. Had the knee been ruled a knockdown, Roach would have secured a stunning upset victory, with adjusted scores potentially tipping the scales to 115-112, 114-113, and 114-113 in his favor.

Roach’s legal team isn’t backing down. Their submission to the NYSAC outlines three distinct paths to rectify what they see as a grave injustice. First, they argue for a TKO victory via disqualification, asserting that Davis effectively “removed himself” from the bout by taking a knee and seeking assistance—an action that violates boxing’s strict no-timeout rules. Second, they propose another TKO win through disqualification, pointing to the hair gel as an “illegal irritant” brought into the ring, compromising the fight’s integrity. Finally, they demand a revised decision win for Roach, urging the commission to adjust the scorecards to reflect the uncalled knockdown in round 9. Each option, they contend, aligns with the millions who watched the fight and believe Roach was robbed of a rightful triumph.

The incident has fueled a firestorm of debate. Boxing purists argue that Davis’s actions—kneeling unprovoked and receiving aid from his corner—should have triggered immediate consequences. A veteran referee told reporters that such a move could warrant disqualification, while others insist the knee alone demanded a 10-8 round for Roach. The NYSAC has acknowledged the controversy, admitting a “technical issue” prevented replay review during the fight, forcing reliance on Willis’s in-ring call. Now, with Roach’s team pushing for action, the commission faces mounting pressure to deliver a ruling that upholds the sport’s credibility. Sources suggest a decision could come within weeks, potentially altering the fight’s official record.

For Roach, the reigning WBA junior lightweight champion stepping up to challenge Davis, this isn’t just about pride—it’s about legacy. “I thought I pulled it out,” he said post-fight, visibly frustrated yet composed. “I’m a little disappointed in the decision, but I showed I belong here.” His performance was nothing short of stellar, outpunching Davis in key exchanges and closing strong against a -2000 betting favorite expected to dominate. A win over Davis, one of boxing’s biggest stars with a 30-0-1 record (28 KOs), would catapult Roach into the spotlight and secure millions in future purses. Instead, he’s left fighting for recognition off the canvas, with his team vowing to ensure his efforts aren’t in vain.

Davis, meanwhile, remains defiant. “It was a lesson learned,” he admitted, praising Roach’s skill while defending his actions. “I didn’t know you could get disqualified for that.” His explanation—blaming a hair product mishap—has drawn skepticism, especially after his stylist countered that no grease was used. The boxing community is split: some see a champion escaping disaster, others a referee’s blunder shielding a superstar. With the WBA reportedly pushing for a rematch and Davis open to running it back, the saga is far from over. But Roach’s legal gambit could force a resolution sooner than expected, potentially handing “Tank” his first career loss.

As the NYSAC deliberates, the implications loom large. A reversed outcome would be a rare seismic shift in boxing, where decisions are seldom overturned outside of doping scandals. It’d also signal a win for accountability in a sport often criticized for protecting its golden geese. For now, Roach stands as the underdog who dared to challenge the status quo, backed by a legal team determined to turn a moral victory into an official one. Will the commission right this perceived wrong, or will Davis’s record remain unblemished? The answer could redefine 2025’s boxing landscape—and prove that in this ring, the fight for justice is just as fierce as the punches thrown. Stay tuned—this story’s next round is just beginning.