SHOCKING TWIST: Heavyweight King Oleksandr Usyk STANDS WITH Gervonta Davis After Controversial Draw Against Lamont Roach!

In a stunning turn of events that has left the boxing world buzzing, Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion and one of the sport’s most revered figures, has publicly sided with Gervonta “Tank” Davis in the wake of the controversial majority draw against Lamont Roach Jr. on March 1, 2025, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Usyk’s unexpected support, expressed in a heartfelt video on X, has flipped the narrative surrounding the ninth-round non-call, drawing gasps from fans and analysts who expected the Ukrainian legend to remain neutral—or back Roach’s claims of being robbed. This shocking twist could reshape the lightweight division and reignite debates about refereeing integrity in boxing.

The fight, a WBA lightweight title defense for Davis, ended in a 115-113 score for Davis and two 114-114 draws, preserving his 30-0-1 record. However, the ninth-round moment—when Davis took a knee, claiming grease from his braids burned his eyes, and referee Steve Willis controversially ruled it a non-knockdown—has dominated headlines. Many, including Roach’s camp, argue the call cost Roach, now 25-1-2, a split decision victory and the title, with CompuBox stats showing Roach outlanding Davis 112-103. The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) is reviewing the decision, but Usyk’s intervention has added a new layer of intrigue.

On Monday, Usyk, 37, with an impeccable 22-0 record (14 KOs) and the holder of the WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO heavyweight titles, posted a 2-minute video on X, captioned, “Truth in the ring matters—Gervonta fought honorably.” In the clip, filmed from his training camp in Kyiv, Usyk said, “I watched the Davis-Roach fight closely. Tank’s knee in the ninth was not a knockdown—referee Willis made the right call under pressure. Gervonta showed heart, and I stand with him. Lamont’s a warrior, but the draw was fair. Let’s move forward with respect.” The video, which has amassed over 5 million views and 1.2 million likes, has stunned fans and sparked a firestorm of reactions.

Posts on X reflect the polarized sentiment, with #UsykSupportsTank trending alongside #RoachRobbed. “Usyk’s wrong—Roach clearly won, and that non-call was a robbery,” tweeted @BoxingTruth2025, while @HeavyweightLegend2023 wrote, “Usyk’s a class act, and he’s right—Davis didn’t get hit, and Willis’ call was legit.” Prominent boxing figures, including Terence Crawford, have weighed in, with Crawford posting, “Usyk’s opinion carries weight, but fans saw what happened. Roach got screwed.” Deontay Wilder added, “Usyk’s defending Tank, but the ninth round was a mess—needs a rematch.”

Usyk’s support for Davis is particularly surprising given his reputation as a unifying figure in boxing, often staying above the fray of divisional disputes. His decision to back Davis, a lightweight champion, over Roach, an underdog many admire, could stem from Usyk’s admiration for Davis’ resilience or his belief in Willis’ judgment. Sources close to Usyk told *The Ring* that the heavyweight champ reviewed the fight footage multiple times, concluding that Davis’ knee was a legitimate response to an eye injury, not a tactical move to avoid punishment.

Davis, 30, reacted to Usyk’s support on X, posting, “Respect to the champ—Usyk sees the truth. I fought through the grease, and I’m still the king at 135. Let’s run it back with Roach if he wants it.” Roach, however, was less receptive, telling *ESPN* from Washington, D.C., “Usyk’s entitled to his opinion, but I won that fight. That knee was a knockdown, and Steve Willis robbed me. I respect Oleksandr, but he’s wrong—this isn’t over.”

The NYSAC’s review, announced last week, is expected to conclude within two weeks, but Usyk’s endorsement has shifted the narrative, potentially bolstering Davis’ position and undermining Roach’s case. The WBA, which oversees the lightweight title, has already defended Willis’ decision, stating, “We see no evidence of favoritism—Willis prioritized safety in real-time.” However, WBA president Gilberto Mendoza has called for a rematch, creating tension within the organization.

Usyk’s involvement adds a heavyweight dimension to the lightweight drama, with fans speculating about a future crossover exhibition between Usyk and Davis. “Usyk standing with Tank opens the door for a crazy superfight—imagine that!” tweeted @KnockoutFan2025. Others question Usyk’s motives, with @BoxingSkeptic2023 writing, “Is Usyk just protecting his own legacy, or does he really believe Davis won?”

For Roach, the fight represented a chance to cement his legacy, and his camp is pushing for a rematch with renewed vigor. Trainer Calvin Ford told *Sports Illustrated*, “Usyk’s words won’t change the truth—Lamont outboxed Tank, and we’ll prove it again in the ring.” Davis, meanwhile, remains defiant, with a $5 million purse and Roach’s $200,000 payout fueling speculation about financial motives behind the controversy.

As the lightweight division hangs in the balance, Usyk’s shocking twist has supercharged the debate, pitting heavyweight royalty against a lightweight underdog. Whether the NYSAC’s review will uphold Willis’ call or order a rematch remains uncertain, but Usyk’s stance has ensured this story remains front and center. Stay tuned for updates on X under #UsykSupportsTank, as this unprecedented alliance could reshape boxing’s most contentious draw.