NYAC Addresses Controversial Call in Gervonta Davis-Lamont Roach Bout

The boxing world is still buzzing after Gervonta “Tank” Davis’s controversial ninth-round stoppage of Lamont Roach, a bout marred by a moment that has ignited fierce debate: Davis taking a knee before delivering the finishing blows. Now, the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) has stepped into the fray, issuing a statement aimed at clarifying their position and addressing the concerns raised by fans and pundits alike.

Commission Clarifies Stance on “Kneeling” Incident, Referees Under Scrutiny

The incident in question occurred late in the ninth round of what had been a fiercely contested battle. With Davis showing signs of fatigue, Davis, known for his explosive power, appeared to briefly take a knee. This action, interpreted by many as a tactical maneuver to gain a moment of respite before unleashing a final onslaught, drew immediate criticism. Critics argued that the move violated the spirit of the sport, potentially giving Davis an unfair advantage.

💇‍♂️Gervonta Davis took a timeout during the fight due to his hairstyle.

In the 9th round, he went down on one knee because hair oil got into his eyes. 👀 pic.twitter.com/0RRmvbnpRq

— SPORTS HUB KE⚽ (@b4l29) March 2, 2025

The NYSAC’s statement, released earlier today, attempts to provide clarity on the matter. “The New York State Athletic Commission has reviewed the circumstances surrounding the conclusion of the Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach bout,” the statement begins. “We acknowledge the concerns raised regarding Mr. Davis’s actions in the ninth round.”

The commission goes on to explain that, while taking a knee during a bout is generally discouraged and can be interpreted as a sign of being down, the referee’s assessment of the situation is paramount. “The referee, in this instance, determined that Mr. Davis’s knee touched the canvas momentarily and was not considered a knockdown,” the statement reads. “Therefore, the action did not warrant a mandatory count.”

This explanation, however, is unlikely to quell the controversy. Many believe that the referee’s interpretation was overly lenient, and that the brief pause allowed Davis to regain his composure and launch a devastating attack. The video replay, which has been dissected frame by frame across social media, shows Davis’s knee touching the canvas, but the brevity of the action and the referee’s proximity to the fighters undoubtedly influenced his decision.

WBA Deems “Not Unreasonable” Decision Amidst Fan Outcry

The World Boxing Association (WBA) has weighed in on the contentious Gervonta Davis-Lamont Roach incident, offering a perspective that aligns with the referee’s on-the-spot judgment. According to an article posted on the WBA’s official website, the decision not to score a knockdown when Davis briefly took a knee in the ninth round was considered “not unreasonable or unjustifiable.”

In an article on the WBA website, it is suggested that the decision not to award Lamont Roach a knockdown of Gervonta Davis when he took a knee in round nine was “not unreasonable or unjustifiable”.

“From our perspective, [Referee Steve Willis’] decision was not unreasonable or… pic.twitter.com/GXn3p3nYCP

— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) March 5, 2025

The WBA’s statement highlights referee Steve Willis’s real-time assessment of the situation. “From our perspective, [Referee Steve Willis’] decision was not unreasonable or unjustifiable,” the WBA stated. “He ruled in real-time that Davis had not been struck by a punch before going down, and therefore, no knockdown should be recorded.”

This stance reinforces the significant weight placed on the referee’s immediate interpretation of events within the ring. While the decision has drawn considerable criticism from fans and analysts who believed Davis gained an unfair advantage, the WBA’s backing underscores the complexities of officiating in boxing, where split-second judgments can dramatically alter the course of a fight. The WBA’s support will likely further fuel the debate, but it solidifies the official view that the referee acted within the bounds of his authority.

Ultimately, the NYSAC’s statement serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in officiating a sport as intense and dynamic as boxing. While the commission has attempted to provide clarity, the controversy surrounding the Davis-Roach bout is likely to persist. Whether or not this incident leads to significant changes in referee protocols remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the boxing world will be watching closely as the NYSAC and other governing bodies grapple with the challenges of ensuring fairness and consistency in the ring. The debate over “taking a knee” has landed a significant blow to the sport’s reputation, and how boxing’s governing bodies respond will be crucial in restoring confidence and ensuring future bouts are judged fairly.