NYSAC Investigates Controversial Non-Call in Gervonta Davis-Lamont Roach Jr. Fight
The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) has announced it is launching a review of the controversial moment during Saturday’s fight between Gervonta "Tank" Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, where Davis took a knee in the ninth round without receiving a knockdown call. The incident, which occurred during a closely contested bout that ultimately ended in a majority draw, has sparked considerable debate and scrutiny within the boxing world.
The NYSAC’s statement, released Monday, indicates that a potential technical malfunction may have hindered the commission’s ability to intervene during the fight itself. This issue allegedly prevented officials from accessing replay footage of the incident within the time frame allowed for review, thus relying on referee Steve Willis’s on-the-spot decision.
The pivotal moment unfolded in the ninth round. Davis, seemingly under pressure from Roach, dropped to a knee and retreated toward his corner. Referee Willis initiated a mandatory 10-count but then permitted Davis to continue fighting after his eyes were wiped with a towel, without issuing a knockdown or point deduction.
Davis later explained his action, claiming that the reason for taking a knee was due to grease from a recent hair styling procedure causing irritation in his eye. However, many observers felt that the situation warranted a knockdown call. A knockdown would have resulted in a point deduction against Davis, potentially altering the trajectory and outcome of the fight significantly.
The fight concluded with the judges’ scorecards reflecting a narrow split decision: 115-113 in favor of Davis, and two scores of 114-114, resulting in a majority draw. Given the closeness of the fight, and the potential impact of a point deduction in the ninth round, the controversial non-call is now at the forefront of discussions surrounding the fight.
The NYSAC statement acknowledged the potential severity of the technical issue. "During the round in question, following the commission’s request for the replay video, there was a technical issue preventing the commission from receiving it within the allotted time for review," the statement read. "Therefore, the referee’s in-ring decision was relied upon and the fight continued."
The commission further emphasized its commitment to maintaining the integrity of combative sports. "The commission is dedicated to preserving the integrity of combative sports and is committed to working with all promotions and production teams on behalf of the athletes, officials and fans to ensure technical issues do not occur in the future that prevent delivery of ringside instant replay feeds to the commission’s officials when needed."
The ongoing review will likely focus on determining the precise nature of the technical issue and the potential consequences of its impact on the fight’s outcome. Furthermore, it will examine whether the referee’s decision was justifiable under the circumstances, given the available information and the existing rules governing knockdown calls.
The controversy surrounding the non-call has ignited a debate about the role and responsibilities of referees and commissions in ensuring fair and accurate officiating in boxing. Some argue that referees have the ultimate authority to make decisions based on their real-time observations, while others contend that commissions have a crucial responsibility to provide referees with the necessary tools and resources, including instant replay, to make informed judgments.
The incident also shines a light on the importance of reliable technology in contemporary boxing officiating. Instant replay systems have become increasingly prevalent in combat sports, offering referees and commissions the ability to review critical moments and rectify potential errors. The NYSAC’s review will undoubtedly address the need for robust and reliable technology to support officiating decisions.
Gervonta Davis (30-1-1, 28 KOs), a highly regarded and powerful fighter, entered the fight as a significant favorite against Lamont Roach Jr. (25-1-2, 10 KOs). The draw represents a blemish on Davis’s otherwise impressive record and raises questions about his performance on the night. Meanwhile, for Roach, the draw serves as a validation of his skills and determination, even though many believe he deserved the victory.
The outcome of the NYSAC’s review could have various implications. While overturning the result of the fight seems unlikely, the commission could issue recommendations for improving officiating procedures and addressing technical deficiencies. It could also lead to further training or guidance for referees on how to handle similar situations in the future.
The NYSAC’s commitment to rectifying the situation is crucial for restoring confidence in the integrity of boxing and ensuring that athletes receive fair and impartial treatment. The review’s findings will be closely scrutinized by boxing fans, media, and stakeholders alike, as they seek answers and assurances that future fights will be officiated with the highest standards of accuracy and fairness. The incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay of human judgment, technological advancements, and regulatory oversight in the world of professional boxing.
The boxing community will be keenly waiting for the findings of the NYSAC review, with many hoping that the commission’s response will contribute to a more transparent and equitable officiating environment in the sport. The resolution of this issue will undoubtedly influence the narrative surrounding the Davis-Roach Jr. fight and potentially have broader implications for the future of boxing officiating.
