Gervonta Davis Retains WBA Lightweight Title in Controversial Draw
New York:
Unbeaten American boxer Gervonta Davis successfully defended his WBA lightweight title after a majority draw against challenger Lamont Roach in Brooklyn on Saturday.
Davis, known for his knockout power with 28 stoppages in 30 previous fights, faced a tough test against WBA super-featherweight champion Roach in an intense battle at the Barclays Center.
Two judges scored the fight 114-114, while a third narrowly favored Davis at 115-113. However, controversy arose in the ninth round when the referee did not rule a knockdown after Davis briefly took a knee. The champion later explained that oil from his hair had entered his eye, forcing him to stop momentarily.
Davis, who was met with boos from the crowd, responded by saying, “They love you and then they hate you.”
Roach, one of the few fighters to push Davis to his limits, remained competitive throughout the fight, trading heavy punches with the champion.
“I’m one of the best fighters in the world, and tonight proved it,” Roach said. He also questioned the referee’s decision, insisting that Davis taking a knee should have been counted as a knockdown.
“If that was scored correctly, I win the fight,” Roach claimed, calling for a rematch. “I want to run it back.”
Roach now holds a record of 25 wins, one loss, and two draws, with 10 knockouts.
Puello Defends Super Lightweight Title
In the undercard, Dominican boxer Alberto Puello retained his WBC super lightweight title with a split-decision win over Spain’s Sandor Martin.
Two judges scored the fight in Puello’s favor at 115-113 and 116-112, while the third gave Martin the edge at 115-113.
Puello, now 24-0 with 10 knockouts, struggled in the early rounds as Martin landed powerful body shots. However, he regained control in the latter half of the fight, delivering strong left hands in the eighth round and dominating the final two rounds to secure the victory.
Martin, who now stands at 42-3 with 15 knockouts, put up a strong challenge but ultimately fell short in his bid for the title.
