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Canelo Alvarez has witnessed countless fights in his illustrious career, but Gervonta "Tank" Davis' recent title defense left even him perplexed. In a controversial match against Lamont Roach Jr., Davis retained his WBA lightweight title with a majority draw, but the fight’s integrity has been called into question due to an unusual incident in the ninth round.
During the ninth round, Davis suddenly paused, took a knee, and headed to his corner, where his team wiped his face with a towel. Davis later claimed that grease from his hair, styled just two days before the fight, was seeping into his eyes, impairing his vision. However, referee Steve Willis did not consider this a knockdown, nor did he penalize Davis for the maneuver.
The New York Athletic Commission (NYAC) is currently reviewing the incident, but Alvarez has already voiced his stance on the matter.
Alvarez, in an interview with HOT 97, was clear in his assessment:
“In my opinion it was a draw. He took a knee. You need to lose, like, 10-8 that round, at least. Plus, the corner go up and put a towel in the face, that’s a disqualification for sure. But it’s not my business.”
According to NYAC regulations, cornermen are not allowed to interfere during an active round. Section 211.16 explicitly states that seconds must remain seated and not engage in any disruptive behavior. Whether Davis' team broke this rule is still under review, but Alvarez sees little ambiguity in the situation.
While the NYAC’s final decision remains uncertain, this incident has ignited debates over boxing officiating and rule enforcement. Many believe that Davis should have received at least a point deduction, if not an outright disqualification.
As for Alvarez, he made it clear that while he respects Davis’ abilities, he believes the rules must be upheld.
“I’m talking about the rules, but it’s not my business,” he reiterated.
With ongoing scrutiny from fans and officials alike, the boxing world waits to see if this controversial moment will have lasting repercussions.