Controversial Majority Draw Sparks Outrage

The recent boxing match between Gervonta 'Tank' Davis and Lamont Roach, held in Brooklyn, has ignited significant controversy due to its majority draw outcome. In a passionate reaction on The Ariel Helwani Show, the host expresses strong disapproval of the judges' decision, arguing that Roach was unfairly denied a victory. The fight, which took place on March 1, 2025, saw Davis enter as a heavy favorite, yet the result left many in the boxing community stunned. Helwani emphasizes that the scoring—114-114 on two cards and 115-113 in favor of Davis—did not reflect the true dynamics of the bout.

Missed Knockdown Call in Round Nine

A pivotal moment in the fight occurred during the ninth round when Davis took a knee after a left hand from Roach. Despite this clear indication of distress, referee Steve Willis failed to rule it a knockdown, a decision that Helwani labels as a critical error around the 2:15 mark of the video. Willis began counting but stopped at three, allowing Davis to recover without penalty. This missed call has been a focal point of discussion, with the New York State Athletic Commission later confirming they are reviewing the incident, as noted in related coverage on ESPN.

Additional Referee Oversights Highlighted

Beyond the ninth-round controversy, Helwani points out two other significant referee mistakes during the match at approximately the 5:30 timestamp. He criticizes Willis for not noticing that Davis’ mouthpiece was not properly in place before the start of Round 9, which could have posed a safety risk. Additionally, there were concerns about inconsistent handling of fouls or other in-ring actions that disadvantaged Roach. These oversights, according to the discussion, compounded the sense of injustice felt by Roach’s camp and fans alike.

Helwani’s Verdict on Roach’s Performance

Throughout the video, particularly near the 8:45 mark, Helwani argues that Roach outperformed expectations and landed cleaner, more effective shots against Davis. He asserts that Roach exposed vulnerabilities in Davis’ defense, a sentiment echoed in posts found on X and other web sources like Sports Illustrated. The host’s frustration is palpable as he describes how Roach was 'robbed' of a deserved win, not just once but through multiple questionable decisions during the fight. This perspective aligns with broader sentiments in the boxing community calling for a rematch to settle the unresolved tension from this bout.