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 on Friday night, addressing the shocking bribery allegations exposed by referee Steve Willis. In an emotional interview with *FightHype*, Ford, who split from Davis earlier this week, confirmed the authenticity of a leaked audio recording implicating the pair in an attempt to bribe Willis during the March 1, 2025 fight at Barclays Center. Ford’s candid revelations, which are trending on X with #FordTellsTruth with over 8 million views, have plunged boxing into one of its darkest scandals, leaving Davis’ career hanging in the balance.
Controversy erupted when Willis revealed to *Boxing Scene* that someone on Davis’ team had offered her $50,000 to “turn a blind eye” during the fight, which ended in a majority draw before the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) revoked it and stripped her of her WBA lightweight title. The leaked audio, published 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 a no-knockdown. Davis responded, “Man, I can’t see! You trying to cheat now?”
Ford, 59, admitted partial responsibility but placed much of the blame on outside pressures. “I said those words on tape and I regret it; it was a moment of panic,” Ford told *FightHype*. “Tank was having vision problems and I got desperate. Someone in our group, not me, made the offer to Willis, but I knew about it and didn’t stop him. That’s my fault. But Tank didn’t want any part of it; he was focused on fighting.” Ford clarified that the idea originated with a “third party” in his entourage, whom he declined to name, claiming he feared for their safety if he exposed them. “This was not Tank’s doing; he’s a fighter, not a cheater,” Ford insisted.
The NYSAC, which is already investigating the allegations, confirmed it will expand its investigation to include Ford’s claims of third-party involvement. “We are committed to uncovering the full truth,” a NYSAC spokesperson told ESPN, noting that penalties could range from fines to lifetime bans if bribery is proven. Legal experts warn that criminal charges could also be brought, with possible penalties including jail time. The WBA has echoed calls for accountability, with its president Gilberto Mendoza declaring: “Corruption has no place in boxing.”
Reactions on X are polarised, with #FordTellsTruth and #TankBribeScandal dominating the trends. “Ford is throwing Tank overboard to save himself, he’s just as guilty!” tweeted @BoxingTruth2025, while @TankNation2023 replied: “Ford is taking the fall for Tank, but who is this ‘third party’? The real story is still hidden!” Lamont Roach Jr., now the WBA lightweight champion, lashed out at the duo on X, saying: “They tried to trick me into not winning, ban them both!” Meanwhile, Floyd Mayweather Jr., who condemned Davis before, doubled down, telling *TMZ*: “I told them Tank is 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, and left the boxing community demanding answers. As the NYSAC investigates further, the sport is bracing for potential seismic fallout that could change its integrity.
