Davis vs. Roach controversy: Results, highlights, analysis of WBA lightweight title card

(This story first was published at USA TODAY.)

Gervonta “Tank” Davis didn’t lose the fight, but he lost his aura of invincibility.

His fight Saturday with heavy underdog Lamont Roach Jr. ended in a majority draw.

Davis (30-0-1) and Roach (25-1-2) traded big shots over the 12-round lightweight fight at New York’s Barclays Center and, incredibly enough, Roach ended the fight on his feet.

The judges scored it 115-113 (for Davis), 114-114 and 114-114.

“Hopefully we can get a rematch,” Davis said.

Before the fight, Davis said Roach would be the most skilled boxer he’s faced. It was no exaggeration, even though Davis did retain his WBA lightweight world title.

“For sure, Lamont is a great fighter. He’s got the skill, like I said before,” Davis said. “He got punching power.”

Both fighters were cautious early, but by midway through the fight, punches were flying and landing.

“I’m one of the best fighters in the world, and I showed that tonight,” Roach said, indicating he wants a rematch. “I want to run it back for sure.”

Davis-Roach controversy

Is Davis’ hairdresser to blame for Roach having to settle for a majority draw Saturday night?

Or is referee Steve Willis to blame?

Early in the ninth round, Davis took a knee.

Willis may have been able to rule it a knockdown, which would have resulted in a one-point deduction for Davis on all three judges’ scorecards.

But Willis allowed Davis to go to his corner without penalty. The fighter later said the incident was all the result of getting his hair done.

“I just got my hair done two days ago,” Davis said during a post-fight interview in the ring, explaining that sweat led to grease getting into his eye.

The explanation apparently did not go over well with the crowd, which booed.

“Damn, why you all booing?” said Davis.

One of the judges scored the fight 115-113 in favor of Davis and two scored it 114-114. A one-point deduction presumably would have changed two judges’ scorecards to 114-113 in favor of Roach and the third judge 114-113 for Davis – creating a split-decision victory for Roach.

“If that’s a knockdown I win the fight,” Roach said. But in welcoming a rematch, he also said, “It is what it is.”