In a dramatic turn of events that has shaken the boxing community, the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) has officially announced that it will uphold the controversial ruling from last Saturday’s super featherweight title bout between Lamont Roach and Hector Luis Garcia. After an intense review process, the commission determined that the decision in favor of Garcia — a razor-thin split decision — would stand as final.

But it wasn’t the ruling that sent shockwaves through the boxing world.

It was Lamont Roach’s furious four-word reaction that did.

The Controversial Fight

The bout, which took place at Madison Square Garden, was an instant classic — two warriors going toe-to-toe over twelve grueling rounds. Roach, known for his slick counterpunching and defensive skill, landed consistently and seemed to control much of the fight’s tempo. Garcia, on the other hand, pressed forward with aggression, landing heavy shots in the later rounds.

After twelve rounds of high-level action, the judges scored it 115-113 Garcia, 114-114, and 115-113 Garcia — awarding the WBA Super Featherweight title to Hector Luis Garcia.

Immediately after the announcement, fans and analysts alike questioned the outcome, with many believing Roach had done enough to earn the victory.

Roach’s Team Files Protest

Two days later, Lamont Roach’s camp officially filed a protest with the NYSAC, citing what they believed were scoring inconsistencies, possible judging bias, and failure to consider key rounds where Roach appeared to dominate. The protest requested either a reversal of the decision or a mandate for an immediate rematch.

The NYSAC took the matter seriously and launched an internal review, which included examining scorecards, rewatching the full bout, and interviewing all three judges involved.

Boxing insiders hoped the commission might at least call the decision into question or issue a no-contest ruling — which would keep Roach in title contention.

But on Wednesday morning, the NYSAC made their final decision:
“The commission finds no sufficient grounds to overturn the official result. The outcome will stand.”

Roach’s Reaction: “This Is Corruption, Period.”

Moments after the NYSAC released its decision, Lamont Roach took to social media in a fiery livestream, visibly upset and shaken by the outcome.

“This is corruption, period,” he said, emphasizing each word with frustration.

The boxing world exploded. Within minutes, “#ThisIsCorruption” was trending on X (formerly Twitter), with fighters, fans, and even some trainers chiming in on the controversy.

Roach continued in the livestream:

“I gave everything in that ring. I outboxed him. I outsmarted him. I beat him. This sport isn’t just broken — it’s rigged.”

Reactions Pour In

Reactions from the boxing world were swift and passionate.

Former champion Shakur Stevenson tweeted:

“Lamont got robbed. Straight up. He said what we’re all thinking. That wasn’t a fair decision.”

Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. commented during a post-fight analysis show:

“I’ve been in this game long enough to know when something smells wrong. That wasn’t a loss — that was theft.”

Others, however, defended the commission’s decision.
Analyst Paulie Malignaggi stated:

“It was a close fight. I had Garcia edging it by a round. We’ve got to be careful calling every tight decision ‘corruption.’ It disrespects the sport.”

What’s Next for Roach?

Despite the disappointment, Lamont Roach’s stock has arguably risen. His performance against Garcia was gritty, technical, and composed. His emotional reaction — though raw — resonated with fans who are tired of unclear decisions tainting the sport’s integrity.

There are already calls from fans and promoters for an immediate rematch. Golden Boy Promotions, who represent Roach, released a brief but clear statement:

“Justice was not served. We’re pursuing all avenues to make the rematch happen.”

Hector Luis Garcia has not yet responded directly to Roach’s accusation but stated earlier in the week:

“It was a tough fight, but I believe I did enough. I respect Roach, but I’m the champion now.”

A Divided Sport

The Lamont Roach–NYSAC controversy has once again put boxing under scrutiny. While close decisions are not uncommon in the sport, the perception of unfairness is toxic — and Roach’s “This is corruption” comment has amplified ongoing concerns about judging standards, transparency, and accountability.

For now, the official result stands.

But the debate? It’s just getting started.