Lamont Roach Jr. says he’s not surprised the New York State Athletic Commission declined his appeal regarding his controversial March 1 draw with Gervonta “Tank” Davis. Roach and his team had hoped to overturn the result – or at least secure a no-contest – after referee Steve Willis inexplicably didn’t call a knockdown when Davis took a knee in the ninth round, then walked to his corner to have grease wiped from his eyes.
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Had Willis followed boxing’s standard procedure, it’s possible Roach would have won a narrow decision and become a two-division titleholder. Instead, the fight stayed a majority draw, allowing Davis to retain his WBA lightweight belt. The NYSAC admitted Willis made the wrong call, but ultimately refused to overturn the outcome. An anonymous source even claimed there was video available for review, contradicting NYSAC’s earlier explanation of “technical difficulties.”
Roach took to social media, clarifying he never filed a personal lawsuit – his team formally appealed on his behalf. While he’s “a lil disappointed,” Roach says he wasn’t banking on the Commission reversing the result. The WBA junior lightweight titlist is satisfied that “everyone knows” he did enough to win.
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