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| Courtesy of PBC |
In a highly anticipated showdown, Gervonta "Tank" Davis is set to defend his WBA Lightweight World Title against WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Lamont Roach on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. This bout, headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video, marks the first professional meeting between Davis and Roach, who share a contentious amateur history.
Amateur Rivalry Rekindled
Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) and Roach (25-1-1, 10 KOs) first crossed paths in 2011 during their amateur careers, facing off twice in the same tournament. Their initial encounter at the regional championships in Baltimore ended in a controversial split decision favoring Davis. Roach contested the outcome, leading USA Boxing to grant him an at-large bid to the national finals. The rematch saw Davis once again securing a close victory. Reflecting on their past bouts, Roach stated:
"My memories are close, competitive fights. One being so close that USA Boxing sent me [to the nationals]. Usually, once you lose, you're out."
Roach's Confidence and Preparation
Despite being the underdog, Roach is confident in his abilities and believes he brings a unique challenge to Davis. He emphasized his comprehensive skill set, suggesting that Davis will need more than just his renowned knockout power to prevail:
"A lot of people don’t give him credit for being a skillful fighter. He really got a bag on him. Y’all going to see it March 1st because he’s not going to have no choice but to use it."
Roach's recent performances bolster his confidence. He claimed the WBA Super Featherweight title from Hector Luis Garcia in November 2023 and successfully defended it against Feargal McCrory in 2024. Now, moving up to lightweight, Roach aims to dethrone Davis and make a significant mark in the division.
Davis's Perspective
Known for his formidable knockout ratio, Davis has been a dominant force in the lightweight division. While he acknowledges Roach's skills, Davis remains focused on retaining his title and extending his undefeated record.
Undercard Highlights
The event also features compelling matchups in the undercard:
Jose Valenzuela vs. Gary Antuanne Russell: Valenzuela defends his WBA Super Lightweight title against the hard-hitting Russell.
Alberto Puello vs. Sandor Martin: Puello puts his WBC Super Lightweight title on the line against the experienced Martin.
Yoenis Tellez vs. Julian Williams: A clash for the interim WBA Super Welterweight title between the rising star Tellez and former champion Williams.
Local Watch Party in Makati
For boxing enthusiasts in the Philippines, Powcast Sports is hosting a live watch party and commentary session at Skyline Sports & Social, located on the 4th floor of Century City Mall, Poblacion, Makati. The event is scheduled for Sunday, March 2, at 9 AM, with free entrance for all attendees.
This gathering offers fans an opportunity to experience the excitement of the Davis vs. Roach bout in a vibrant community setting.
As the fight night approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two skilled pugilists with a storied history.
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