Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis Dropped from Pound-for-Pound Rankings After Controversial Draw Against Lamont Roach

In a dramatic showdown at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on March 1, Gervonta “Tank” Davis retained his WBA lightweight title in a highly disputed majority draw against Lamont Roach Jr. However, the controversial outcome led to Davis being removed from Ring Magazine’s prestigious pound-for-pound rankings—a major blow to his standing in the boxing world.

A Contentious Result Shakes the Boxing World

Davis, known for his knockout power and dominance in the ring, faced unexpected resistance from Roach, a former amateur opponent and reigning 130-pound champion. The fight took an unexpected turn in Round 9 when Davis voluntarily took a knee after appearing to be troubled by an issue with his eye. Despite the moment resembling a knockdown, referee Steve Willis did not count it as such—a decision that played a critical role in the final outcome.

Had the knockdown been acknowledged, Roach would have secured a career-defining victory. Instead, the fight ended in a majority draw, with Davis barely holding onto his title. The decision left fans, analysts, and even former fighters stunned, igniting heated debates across the boxing community.

Tony Bellew Weighs In on the Referee’s Crucial Error

Former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew did not hold back in his criticism of the officiating, acknowledging Willis’ usually strong track record but calling the mistake “catastrophic.”

“Steve Willis is a brilliant referee, one of my favorites, but he made a huge error here,” Bellew stated in an interview with CasinoBeats. “Lamont Roach is going to be heartbroken. That was a count, plain and simple. If you take a knee, whether it’s from exhaustion, a punch, or an eye issue, it should be counted. This ruling changes the entire outcome of the fight.”

Roach and his team promptly appealed to the New York State Athletic Commission, but their request to overturn the result was denied, further fueling frustrations among boxing purists.

Roach’s Stock Rises Despite the Draw

Despite not officially securing the win, Roach’s performance elevated his reputation, proving he belongs among the elite fighters of the division. Following the fight, Roach took to Instagram to express his disappointment with the decision but also to highlight his success.

“March 1st was crazy! Even though I didn’t get the result I deserved, I was the other half of a sellout crowd that broke the Barclays Center record for the highest-grossing event,” Roach wrote. “I showed I was a pound-for-pound talent against a generational star. I can’t wait to run it back and put on another show!”

His statement resonated with many in the boxing world, with fans and experts rallying behind him, calling for a rematch that could settle the score once and for all.

What’s Next for Gervonta Davis?

For Davis, this controversial result has cast doubt on his invincibility. Being removed from the pound-for-pound rankings is a significant setback for a fighter of his caliber, and the scrutiny on his performance will only intensify. Many are now questioning whether Davis is still at his peak or if his dominance is beginning to fade.

As speculation grows, one thing is certain—the demand for a rematch between Davis and Roach is at an all-time high. With their rivalry now fueled by controversy, a second fight could be even bigger than the first, giving both fighters the chance to settle unfinished business.

Boxing thrives on drama, and the Davis vs. Roach showdown has delivered just that. While Davis remains the WBA lightweight champion, the fallout from this fight will linger for some time. Whether he chooses to grant Roach a rematch or pursue other challengers, his next move will be crucial in determining his legacy.