It was a big night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, as fans packed the arena to see some of boxing's biggest stars, headlined by an eagerly anticipated clash for the WBA lightweight title.
In the featured attraction, WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis put his belt on the line against the ever-determined Lamont Roach Jr. Over the course of 12 tactical rounds, both men found success and exchanged blistering combinations. Controversy arose in the ninth, when Roach appeared to floor Davis with a well-timed shot, only for the referee to rule it a slip. By the final bell, the judges rendered a majority draw, as now many are debating whether the non-call changed the ultimate outcome. Davis and Roach each hinted at wanting a rematch, especially considering that 89% of our users predicted KO from Gervonta.
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In the co-feature, Gary Antuanne Russell handed WBA light welterweight champion Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela a tough defeat, cruising to a wide unanimous decision. Russell’s high work rate and fast hands controlled much of the contest, but he endured tense moments late when Valenzuela connected with heavy shots in the championship rounds. Still, Russell’s overall dominance throughout the fight carried him to victory on the scorecards.
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Elsewhere on the card, WBC light welterweight champion Alberto Puello narrowly retained his title with a split decision against Sandor Martin in a fight many felt could have gone the other way. Martin was the busier fighter for large stretches, landing effective shots to both head and body while Puello resorted to clinching when under pressure. Despite the statistical edge seemingly favoring Martin, Puello earned two of the three judges’ nods.
Rounding out the night’s main card, Cuban up-and-comer Yoenis Tellez impressed with a dominant performance over former unified champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams, picking up a unanimous decision and staking his claim as a serious threat at 154 lbs.
In prelims, in a tense middleweight affair, Johan Gonzalez edged Jarrett Hurd by split decision, repeatedly outworking the ex-champion with looping right hands. Following the fight, a visibly exhausted Hurd announced his retirement, reflecting on a career that once saw him near the pinnacle of the sport.
Image Credit: PBC