Gervonta Davis’ controversial clash with Lamont Roach triggers a surprising shake-up of boxing rules, leaving fans asking what really changed
Taking a voluntary knee is now officially recognised as a knockdown, following Gervonta Davis’ controversial clash with Lamont Roach last year.
In the ninth round of their WBA lightweight title fight, Davis dropped to one knee after having his vision compromised by a clump of hair product.
Referee Steve Willis initially administered a count before breaking it off in a decision that came under serious fire from all corners of the boxing fraternity.
While officials are expected to score a knockdown in the event of a voluntary knee, at the time, there was no reference to the particular scenario in the Association of Boxing Commissions’ referee manual.
This has since changed, with retired referee Jack Reiss announcing an amendment to the document at last week’s national Combat Sports Summit.
“We got rid of the old thinking and revitalised the manual,” said Reiss
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“In the Gervonta Davis fight, we couldn’t find it written anywhere that when you take a knee voluntarily, it’s a knockdown.
“It’s always been the policy most everybody always used, but now it’s in writing. Now there’s no question.”
Willis’ mistake ultimately cost Roach the world title, with Davis retaining his belt via a majority draw.
Roach’s team subsequently lodged an appeal with the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) to have the fight overturned.
However, the NYSAC opted to uphold the result.
The official justification was that the bout had continued for more than three full rounds after the call and therefore “was not outcome-determinative”.
“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.”
A rematch was pursued for 2025, but after pushing back the target date multiple times, Davis eventually abandoned the contest in pursuit of a lucrative exhibition bout with Jake Paul.
Paul vs Davis eventually succumbed to the same fate when the Baltimore boxer’s ex-girlfriend brought a civil case against him, alleging domestic abuse.
