The controversial non-call when Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis took a knee during his fight against Lamont Roach Jr. Saturday is under review by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC), the NYSAC said in a statement issued Monday.
‘A technical issue” may have prevented the commission from acting during the fight at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, according to the statement.
The bout ended in a majority draw, and the critical moment could have swung the outcome in Roach’s favor.
That incident occurred in the ninth round when Davis dropped to a knee and headed back to his corner. Referee Steve Willis started a mandatory 10-count before allowing Davis to resume fighting without penalty — after Davis got his eyes wiped with a towel.
Davis later said he took a knee and headed to the corner because he had grease in his eye, the result of getting his hair done two days before the fight.
Ruling it a knockdown would have led to a point deduction for Davis and presumably changed the outcome of the fight.
‘During the round in question, following the commission’s request for the replay video, there was a technical issue preventing the commission from receiving it within the allotted time for review,’ the statement read. ‘Therefore, the referee’s in-ring decision was relied upon and the fight continued. The commission is dedicated to preserving the integrity of combative sports and is committed to working with all promotions and production teams on behalf of the athletes, officials and fans to ensure technical issues do not occur in the future that prevent delivery of ringside instant replay feeds to the commission’s officials when needed.’
The judges scored the 12-round fight 115-113 (in favor of Davis), 114-114, 114-114.
Davis (30-1-1, 28 KOs) was a heavy favorite entering the fight against Roach (25-1-2, 10 KOs).