New York State Athletic Commission Under Fire After “Bullshit” Statement Surrounding Controversial Tank-Roach Bout

By Matthew Brown

03/03/2025

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The controversy surrounding the no-knockdown call in the ninth round of Saturday night’s WBA Lightweight Championship bout between Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Lamont Roach continues to escalate, with the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) now facing serious scrutiny.

Photo Credit: Premier Boxing Champions

On Monday, the NYSAC announced that it is reviewing the controversial sequence in which Davis appeared to take a knee following a right hand from Roach—an incident referee Steve Willis did not rule as a knockdown. However, a source with firsthand knowledge of the situation has forcefully pushed back against the commission’s explanation, calling it outright “bullshit.”

In an official statement released Monday, the NYSAC claimed that “technical difficulties” prevented them from reviewing the footage in time to make a ruling. The statement read:

“At this time, the New York State Athletic Commission is reviewing the matter involving Saturday’s match-up between Lamont Roach and Gervonta Davis. 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. Therefore, the referee’s in-ring decision was relied upon and the fight continued.”

The commission further stated that it remains “dedicated to preserving the integrity of combative sports” and vowed to work with promotions and production teams to prevent similar technical failures in the future.

Photo Credit: Premier Boxing Champions

However, sources tell Brunch Boxing that the NYSAC’s version of events is far from the truth. When informed of the commission’s statement, one source responded emphatically:

“That’s bullshit. That is bullshit.”

According to the NYSAC’s own guidelines, instant replay is allowed when adequate technology is available. Specifically, it can be used to determine whether an event was a knockdown or a slip, the causation of an injury, or to assess accidental or intentional fouls. The rules state that:

• Instant replay may be used to determine the correct outcome of a bout, including knockdowns.

• The in-ring referee or instant replay official is the only one authorized to initiate a review.

• To modify the original call, the referee and replay official must both agree that the replay provides clear and conclusive evidence.

• Best efforts must be made to complete the review during the one-minute rest period, with an additional 30 seconds allowed if needed.

But sources say there was no “technical issue” preventing a replay review. In fact, the video sequence was prepared almost immediately.

Photo Credit: Premier Boxing Champions

According to the source, within ten seconds of the incident, four different angles of the replay were cued up and ready for review. The replay official had access to the footage well before round ten began and, according to the source, stated:

“We got what we need. Yeah, not a knockdown. Wasn’t from a punch.”

Adding to the confusion, at least four replay officials were reportedly rotating duties instead of the usual single official—an unusual setup that may have contributed to the mishandling of the situation.

The fight ultimately ended in a majority decision draw, leaving both Davis and Roach unsatisfied. However, had Willis ruled the ninth-round sequence as a knockdown, Roach would have won the fight via decision.

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