The Tank Davis vs Roach fight has sparked intense debate about who really won.
The highly anticipated showdown between Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. left boxing fans buzzing with debate. With the WBA Lightweight title on the line, both fighters entered the Barclays Center in New York with much at stake. The question on everyone’s mind: Who won the fight out of Tank Davis and Roach?
In a surprising turn of events, the match ended in a majority draw, sparking controversy among fans and experts alike. This article provides an expert breakdown and in-depth analysis of the fight, covering the scorecards, critical moments, tactical strategies, and what this outcome means for both fighters moving forward.
Fight Breakdown: The Road to a Majority Draw
Judges’ Scorecards Explained
The fight went the full twelve rounds, with the judges scoring it as follows:
- 115-113 in favor of Tank Davis
- 114-114 (Two judges scored it a draw)
A majority draw means that while one judge saw Davis as the winner, the other two deemed the fight too close to call. This result led to Davis retaining his WBA Lightweight Championship.
Key Moments That Defined the Fight
- Rounds 1-4: Davis controlled the pace early, landing power shots and testing Roach’s defense.
- Mid-Round Adjustments (Rounds 5-8): Roach began using his jab more effectively, landing clean counterpunches and making Davis work harder.
- The Ninth-Round Controversy: A pivotal moment occurred when Davis took a knee after a jab from Roach. Referee Steve Willis did not call it a knockdown, a decision that generated massive debate among boxing analysts.
- Championship Rounds (Rounds 10-12): Both fighters had their moments, but neither secured a clear advantage, leading to the tight scorecards.
Statistical Overview
- Total punches landed: Davis – 182, Roach – 175
- Jabs landed: Roach had the edge with 72 jabs landed compared to Davis’s 55.
- Power punches: Davis dominated this category, landing 127 power shots versus Roach’s 103.
Controversial Moments and Referee Decisions
The Ninth-Round Knee Incident
One of the biggest talking points from the fight was Tank Davis taking a knee in the ninth round after a sharp jab from Roach. Many expected it to be counted as a knockdown, which could have shifted the scorecards in Roach’s favor.
- Why was it not ruled a knockdown?
- Referee Steve Willis believed that Davis voluntarily took a knee to regain composure rather than being forced down by a punch.
- Boxing rules state that if a fighter takes a knee without being knocked down by a clear punch, it is not considered a knockdown.
This decision led to strong reactions from fans and analysts, with some arguing that Roach should have been credited for the knockdown, which might have secured him a victory on the scorecards.
Fan and Expert Reactions
- The Guardian called the fight outcome “a disappointing and controversial decision that left both fighters unsatisfied.”
- Bad Left Hook highlighted that “if the ninth round had been judged differently, Roach could have been declared the winner.”
- Social Media Response: Many fans took to Twitter and Instagram, voicing frustration over the scoring and demanding a rematch.
Tactical Breakdown: How Each Fighter Performed
Gervonta “Tank” Davis’s Performance
- Strengths: Superior power punches, solid ring control, and effective counterpunching.
- Weaknesses: Struggled with Roach’s jabs and had moments of inactivity.
Lamont Roach Jr.’s Performance
- Strengths: Excellent jab work, technical boxing skills, and resilience.
- Weaknesses: Lacked knockout power to decisively sway the fight in his favor.
The Role of Conditioning and Preparation
- Davis appeared slightly fatigued in the later rounds, allowing Roach to gain momentum.
- Roach’s conditioning helped him stay competitive throughout all twelve rounds, proving he belongs among elite lightweight contenders.
What’s Next for Davis and Roach?
Will There Be a Rematch?
Following the fight, both Davis and Roach expressed interest in a potential rematch. Given the controversy surrounding the decision, a rematch could provide clarity and a decisive winner.
How This Affects Their Careers
- Gervonta Davis: Retains his WBA Lightweight title but faces criticism over the draw.
- Lamont Roach Jr.: Gains respect and credibility, potentially setting up bigger fights in the division.
Conclusion: Who Really Won?
While the official result was a majority draw, the debate over who truly won continues. Some argue that Roach’s clean jabs and the ninth-round controversy should have swayed the decision in his favor. Others believe Davis’s power punches and overall control were enough to justify a draw.
What do you think? Should there be a rematch to settle the score? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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