The dust has yet to settle on Gervonta Davis‘ controversial March 1st clash with Lamont Roach Jr. Despite the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) upholding the draw, debates over officiating and potential favoritism continue to dominate boxing discussions.
Adding fuel to the fire, former IBF light welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi recently appeared on the Overdogs Podcast with Mike Perry, where he dissected key moments from the boxing match.
One of the biggest talking points was the ninth-round incident where Davis unexpectedly took a knee. Davis claimed he was blinded by sweat mixed with grease, but skeptics-including Malignaggi-suspect Roach landed a clean shot that forced him down.
What raised even more eyebrows was how the referee, Steve Willis, handled the moment. Malignaggi pointed out that Willis began counting but suddenly stopped when he noticed the timekeeper wasn’t keeping track. This unusual pause led Malignaggi to believe that Davis was allowed to dictate the fight’s pace-an advantage most fighters don’t get.
Another questionable moment came earlier in the fight when Davis used a shoulder barge in the clinch without receiving a warning. Roach, however, was immediately reprimanded when he responded.
“This is the politics we’re dealing with. It’s frustrating,” Malignaggi remarked,
Are comparisons between Gervonta Davis and Patrick Mahomes fair?
Boxing analyst Mac Mally chimed in with an unexpected take, comparing Davis’ officiating to how NFL star Patrick Mahomes is treated on the field.
Malignaggi immediately agreed, arguing that Mahomes benefits from an era of rule changes that protect quarterbacks-similar to how Davis may have received leniency in the ring.
He recalled how the NFL changed its rules after Tom Brady‘s season-ending knee injury in 2008, making it harder for defenders to hit quarterbacks. “Now with Mahomes, you might as well make it two-hand touch,” Malignaggi quipped, suggesting that some athletes are given unfair advantages to help maintain their dominance.
Boxing champion Terence Crawford was among those who felt Roach was unfairly denied a victory. He took to social media to voice his frustration.
“I never seen someone take a knee and they don’t count it as a knockdown. Must’ve forgot the rules for tonight.”
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Crawford further supported his claim by referencing Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s 2001 fight against Carlos Hernandez. During that match, Mayweather‘s glove briefly touched the canvas due to pain from an injured hand, and the referee immediately ruled it a knockdown-even though Hernandez hadn’t landed a punch.
With speculation growing over a potential rematch, all eyes will be on the officiating if these two meet in the ring again. Will it be a fair fight, or will history repeat itself?
