Lamont Roach Jr. approaches his March 1 bout against Gervonta "Tan" Davis with an unwavering confidence, insisting he won’t wilt under the same pressure that’s broken most of Davis’ previous opponents. Despite coming up from super featherweight to challenge Davis at 135, Roach is adamant that his skill, mental fortitude, and chin will see him through 12 tough rounds - or, as he hopes, to a victory.
Roach acknowledges Davis’ notorious knockout power but contends that many of "Tank’s" past foes allowed doubt to creep in, making it easy for Davis to take over. He points to Isaac Cruz as one opponent who showed heart by walking Davis down throughout 12 rounds, even if Cruz ultimately lacked the technical layers to land a decisive blow. Roach believes his own mix of confidence, ring IQ, and athleticism will pose a more complete threat to Davis’ style.
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Critics often argue that Davis has yet to face a consistent string of top-tier challengers at their peaks. Ryan Garcia, for instance, started aggressively against "Tank" before getting dropped and eventually stopping his offense out of caution. Roach, though, promises he won’t cave in the face of adversity or back down. He cites his reputation for durability and says he’s sure his chin can handle Davis’ vaunted power all night.
Ultimately, Roach believes his unshakeable mindset is the intangible that sets him apart. He calls himself "a dog" in the ring and insists that physical pain won't derail him from executing a game plan built around boxing skills and iron resolve.
Prepare for the upcoming event.
Image Credit: Team Roach