### Controversy Erupts as NYSAC Upholds Gervonta Davis-Lamont Roach Draw The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) has confirmed that the result of the Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach fight, which ended in a majority draw, will stand despite significant controversy surrounding a critical moment in the ninth round. The fight, held on March 1, 2025, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, has drawn scrutiny due to a "technical issue" that prevented officials from reviewing a potential knockdown when Davis took a knee after being hit by Roach. This decision has sparked debates about the integrity of the officiating and the use of technology in boxing [https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/44158528/nysac-says-gervonta-davis-lamont-roach-result-stand]. ### Breakdown of the Controversy and Ruling 1. **Fight Overview**: - The bout ended in a majority draw, with two judges scoring it 114-114 and one judge favoring Davis 115-113. This result marked the first blemish on Davis's previously undefeated record [https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/03/01/gervonta-davis-lamont-roach-jr-live]. 2. **Ninth Round Incident**: - In the ninth round, Davis took a knee after receiving a series of punches from Roach. Referee Steve Willis did not call a knockdown, which many believe should have been ruled, potentially affecting the fight's outcome [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/boxing/gervonta-davis-lamonta-roach-b2708575.html]. 3. **Technical Issue**: - The NYSAC cited a "technical issue" that prevented the use of instant replay to review the incident, which has raised questions about the reliability of officiating in high-stakes matches [https://www.apnews.com/article/gervonta-davis-roach-knockdown-replay-41b90420c8e14cbe481cd2f15c4d4924]. 4. **Reactions and Challenges**: - Roach's team has formally challenged the outcome, arguing that the missed call significantly impacted the fight's result. Prominent figures, including Oscar De La Hoya, have also weighed in, suggesting that a point should have been deducted from Davis for the incident [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/boxing/article-14476351/Boxing-commission-makes-final-ruling-Gervonta-Davis-vs-Lamont-Roach-fight-result-following-review-knockdown-controversy.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Judges' Scorecards**: - Judge 1: 115-113 (Davis) - Judge 2: 114-114 (Draw) - Judge 3: 114-114 (Draw) [https://www.si.com/fannation/boxing/wba-president-shares-thoughts-on-potential-gervonta-davis-and-lamont-roach-jr-rematch]. - **Technical Issues**: - The NYSAC's inability to review the ninth-round incident due to a "technical issue" has been confirmed by multiple sources, highlighting the need for reliable technology in officiating [https://www.essentiallysports.com/boxing-news-referee-steve-willis-faces-lamont-roach-jr-s-wrath-as-real-time-chat-gets-exposed-what-are-you-doing]. ### Conclusion: Implications of the Ruling The NYSAC's decision to uphold the draw between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach has significant implications for both fighters and the sport of boxing. 1. **Impact on Fighters**: - Davis retains his WBA lightweight title but faces ongoing scrutiny regarding his performance and the officiating during the fight. Roach, on the other hand, is left without a definitive victory despite a strong showing [https://www.essentiallysports.com/boxing-news-lamont-roach-jr-has-one-line-for-gervonta-davis-as-new-york-commission-digs-deep-in-knockdown-controversy]. 2. **Future of Officiating**: - The incident raises critical questions about the effectiveness of current officiating practices and the integration of technology in boxing. The NYSAC's handling of the situation may prompt calls for reforms to ensure that such technical issues do not compromise the integrity of future matches [https://www.si.com/fannation/boxing/gervonta-davis-hairstylist-pulls-out-receipts-after-hair-grease-controversy]. 3. **Potential Rematch**: - Given the controversy, there are discussions about a potential rematch, which could provide both fighters an opportunity to settle the score definitively [https://www.si.com/fannation/boxing/article/gervonta-davis-vs-lamont-roach-111530755.html]. In summary, the Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach fight has not only altered the records of both fighters but also highlighted the need for improved officiating standards in boxing.