Gervonta Davis should have lost on Saturday night against Lamont Roach when he decided to take a knee when he had something in his eye in the 9th round of his title fight. Despite the referee starting and then stopping a count, no knockdown was declared. Davis retained his title via majority draw.
ESPN reports that there was a “technical issue” which prevented the purported knockdown in the allotted time for review. Thus, the referee’s decision of no-knockdown stood.
Davis has called for an immediate rematch with the unprecedented turnaround of the end of May for another fight.
Obviously, its not a great look for Davis 1) for taking the knee and not understanding the rules and 2) the majority draw which the public believes Roach won if the knockdown were counted. But, the New York State Athletic Commission’s response to why the referee’s decision was not overturned falls flat. There are reasons why they have a replay review and the protocol had a “technical issue” in its most critical moment. The reason why this matters is the appearance of fairness. Davis is the “A” side and money maker for the promoters and an upset loss would bring a stop to his superstar status. Obviously, Davis taking a voluntary knee is considered a knockdown but the referee seemingly stopped a count. Employing the video review would have overturned the referee decision. The inability to overturn an obvious wrong is the reason for the immediate review.
As Monday, it appears that Roach is appealing the decision but the Commission will probably not overturn the decision.
The good news is that the rematch should provide more fans to watch and see if Roach can give Davis another fight.
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