Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis escapes with a shock draw against Lamont Roach Jr. after refereeing controversy in the ninth round

Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. fought to a majority draw, the first blemish on the lightweight champion’s record in his career.

One judge scored the bout two points in favor of Davis, while the other two scored it 114-114.  

A rematch is likely the next bout for the combatants, with the DC area natives possibly wanting round two somewhere closer to their adjacent hometowns. 

As soon as the first score was announced, the crowd had resigned to a successful title defense for Davis, with everyone, including the combatants shocked by the controversial decision. 

One of the critical moments of the fight saw Davis go to a knee in the ninth round with the champion escaping a knock down according to the official. 

Roach may have only not been granted a knock down due to it being a voluntary knee, not directly from any punch, that caused Davis to leave his feet.  

Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. fought to a majority draw on Saturday night

One judge scored the bout two points in favor of Davis, while the other two scored it 114-114

After the fight, both men were interviewed inside the ring and expressed their interest in a rematch, as well as how the judges should have given them the win.

Many in boxing thought Roach was a transitional opponent for Davis, as a bigger fight against Shakur Stevenson appeared to be looming later in 2025. 

It was the fourth fight for Davis inside Barclays Center, winning each of the previous three title fights by knockout. 

On Saturday, the pro-Davis crowd started to flip to Roach mid-fight with the underdog not being intimidated in the biggest fight of his career. 

Davis’ last night not to end with him knocking out his opponent was in October 2014, eight fights before he became WBA Lightweight Champion.