Who is Gervonta Davis’ Hairstylist? LeeBTheBrand breaks silence

In the world of professional boxing, every detail matters – from training regimens to pre-fight rituals. For Gervonta “Tank” Davis, his pre-fight preparation includes getting his hair styled, a task entrusted to the New York-based hairstylist known as LeeBTheBrand. This talented stylist, whose real name has not been disclosed, has found herself at the center of a heated controversy following Davis’ recent bout against Lamont Roach Jr.

LeeBTheBrand, who operates out of the Bronx, has been responsible for Davis’ signature braided look. Her Instagram account, @leebthebrand, showcases her work on various clients, including the undefeated lightweight champion. Known for her precision and creativity in hair braiding, LeeBTheBrand has built a reputation that extends beyond the boxing world, attracting a diverse clientele seeking her expertise

 

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A post shared by BRONX | NYC HAIRSTYLIST 🧚🏼‍♀️ (@leebthebrand)

However, her professional relationship with Davis has been thrust into the spotlight following the controversial fight on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Barclays Center in New York. The incident that sparked this unexpected focus on Davis’ hair occurred in the ninth round of the match, leading to a chain of events that have left the boxing community buzzing.

The Grease Controversy: A Hairy Situation in the Ring

The WBA lightweight title fight between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. ended in a majority draw, a result that has been overshadowed by a peculiar incident in the ninth round. Davis, known for his knockout power and undefeated record, suddenly dropped to one knee during the round, an action that typically results in a mandatory count by the referee.

Gervonta Davis seemingly takes a knee in the 9th but it isn’t counted as a knockdown 🤔 #TankRoachpic.twitter.com/g69yr0Oyni

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 2, 2025

Referee Steve Willis, however, did not administer a count, a decision that has been heavily criticized by boxing experts and fans alike. The controversy deepened when Davis, in his post-fight explanation, attributed his action to an unexpected source – hair grease.

Davis claimed that grease from his freshly braided hair had dripped into his eyes, causing a burning sensation that forced him to take a knee. “I got my hair done two days ago, and she put grease in my s***,” Davis explained to the booing crowd. “It was sweating, running into my face, burning my eyes.”

Gervonta Davis says he took a knee in the 9th round because there was grease in his eyes from his hair:

“Damn, why y’all booing like I’m saying bullsh*t…

They love you and then they hate you.”#TankRoach #Boxingpic.twitter.com/MqSdHiRl1b

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 2, 2025

This explanation, however, was met with skepticism from many, including Roach, who argued that the incident should have been ruled a knockdown. “If you voluntarily take a knee and the ref starts counting, it’s a knockdown. If that’s a knockdown, I win,” Roach stated after the fight.

The controversy took an unexpected turn when LeeBTheBrand, Davis’ hairstylist, broke her silence on the matter. In a now-deleted Instagram post, she vehemently defended her work and challenged Davis’ explanation. “I did his hair WEDNESDAY. It’s SATURDAY! He did press, gym, and weigh-in. That’s no excuse. How much grease did I use, damn?” she wrote.

The Gervonta Davis’ hair stylist has confirmed with receipts that she DIDN’T use grease 👀 pic.twitter.com/TKZtP0HiWW

— EmeverseTv (@emeversetv) March 3, 2025

To further support her defense, LeeBTheBrand shared a video of Davis at her salon, showing no signs of excess grease in his hair. She also posted an image of the product used on Davis’ hair, which prominently displayed “no grease” on its label.

The hairstylist’s response has added another layer to the already complex situation. It raises questions about the validity of Davis’ explanation and the potential impact on the fight’s outcome. If the referee had ruled the knee a knockdown, as many argue he should have, the result of the fight could have been different, potentially handing Davis his first professional loss.

This incident has sparked intense debate in the boxing community about the interpretation and application of rules, the role of referees in making split-second decisions, and the unexpected factors that can influence a fight’s outcome. It has also put an unusual spotlight on the often-overlooked role of a fighter’s appearance and preparation.

As the controversy continues to unfold, it seems likely that this incident will lead to discussions about potential rule clarifications and the need for consistent application of existing regulations. It may also prompt fighters and their teams to reconsider every aspect of their pre-fight preparation, including something as seemingly innocuous as a hairdo.

For now, the boxing world eagerly awaits the next development in this unusual saga. Whether it leads to a rematch between Davis and Roach, as both fighters have expressed interest in, or results in broader changes to boxing regulations remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the “grease controversy” will be remembered as one of the more unique incidents in recent boxing history, proving that in the world of professional sports, even the smallest details can have significant consequences.