The controversial result of Gervonta Davis vs Lamont Roach has been upheld by the New York Athletic State Commission.
Davis and Roach met in an all-American ring showdown last weekend, which was plunged into huge controversy.
In the ninth round of the contest, Davis took a knee after claiming he was agitated by ‘grease’ in his eyes, but referee Steve Willis failed to score it as a knockdown.
The result was then scored as a majority draw with Roach left furious, given an extra point on all three scorecards would have seen him declared a huge upset winner.
As Roach protested the decision, the New York State Athletic Commission who sanctioned the bout, announced they would be officially investigating the final outcome.
They explained in a statement that the referee’s final decision was taken with no video replay available due to a technical issue on the night.
But it has now been reported that the fight result will be upheld after an official enquiry by the commission.
As a result, it will see the pair both remain with a draw on their records.
The official ruling was obtained by ESPN, which stated: “The bout continued for more than three full rounds after the referee’s no knockdown call.
“And because the boxers necessarily adjusted to the referee’s ruling, the referee’s call was not outcome-determinative.”
Roach’s attornee Gregory M Smith added: “Lamont and his team remain disappointed by the announced outcome and the lack of action by the commission, but grateful for the support of the boxing public.
“Lamont is confident that a rematch will end with a victory, but until then he is the people’s champion at 135 pounds.”
29-year-old Roach will now be forced to go back to the drawing board, but will still be motivated by his draw with the overwhelming favourite Davis.
‘Tank’ had explained that during the fight he was forced to go and wipe the grease from his eyes in his corner, hence why he took a knee.
He too was unsatisfied with the result, insisting he himself had done enough to take the victory.
Roach pleaded for an immediate rematch, a fight that it had appeared Davis would not entertain straight away.
But he has since changed his mind and opened the door to a sequel as soon as possible.
It is also expected that the WBA will now order Davis to defend his lightweight world title against Roach next.
And Roach is confident he will be the main to definitely get his hand raised.
“I’m not buying that at all. He did some good things in there and ‘Tank’ would’ve beaten a lot of guys that night,” he added.
“It wasn’t enough. He felt good. He knew what he was up against.
“He made slight adjustments, tried to punch harder.
“That was the real ‘Tank’ in there, and come next time, it better be a better ‘Tank,’ because I’m going to be a better me.
“He better come with his ‘A’ game.”
