"Time for the Dwarf to Look at Himself" – Boxing World Reacts to Davis-Roach

On March 1, New York hosted the WBA lightweight (61.2 kg) title fight between Gervonta Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) and Lamont Roach (25-1-2, 10 KOs). The bout ended in a majority draw, marking the first time in Davis' career that he didn’t secure a victory.

The controversy stems from Round 9, when Davis took a knee—a moment that typically results in an official knockdown. However, instead of the referee counting, Davis ran to his corner, had his face wiped, and the fight continued. The champion later explained his reasoning, but the debate rages on.

Lou DiBella (Promoter):

"It’s terrible that a high-stakes fight like this was decided by a referee’s mistake. A mistake that needs to be corrected.

You can’t just take a knee like that. The fight was close, and in my opinion, Roach deserves an immediate rematch," DiBella stated.

George Kambosos: "Time for the Dwarf to Look at Himself"

Kambosos, who has been targeted by Davis in past interviews, didn’t hold back:

"Oh, so there goes that perfect record. That was a knockdown, and it made the difference.

This dwarf mocked my losses to Haney and Loma—now it’s time for him to look in the mirror.

Great job, Roach. Much respect. Tank, game over," said Kambosos.

Ryan Garcia was among the first to call out the missed knockdown:

"Lamont won.

Not counting that knockdown is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen in boxing. This kind of stuff ruins the sport’s reputation. Madness. See you on May 2," Garcia wrote.

Terence Crawford: "They Robbed That Man"

WBA super welterweight champion Terence Crawford was equally outraged:

"They robbed that man, and it’s crazy.

I’ve never seen someone take a knee and not have it counted as a knockdown. Guess they forgot the rules tonight," Crawford commented.

Heavyweight boxer and influencer Jake Paul was ringside and shared his take:

"Roach put up a great fight, but I thought Gervonta pulled it off.

If you count that knee as a knockdown, then it’s a draw. Tank was landing the sharper, more powerful shots.

But the biggest thing I thought was… Light work, b****. Try to convince me otherwise," Paul said.

WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson has offered himself as an alternative if Roach doesn’t get a second chance:

"I’m not even gonna trash this guy like he would do to me. But I’m still ready, and I want to fight—so let’s make it happen.

And if Lamont doesn’t get a rematch, I’ve got a big fight and a title shot waiting for him against me. He’s my brother, but we can definitely set something up. Good job," Stevenson said.

Both Davis and Roach stated after the fight that they are open to a rematch in their next bout.