Gervonta Davis Retains WBA Lightweight Title in Gritty Draw Against Lamont Roach

WBA Lightweight World Champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) retained his title after a hard-fought 12-round majority draw against WBA Super Featherweight Champion Lamont “The Reaper” Roach (25-1-2, 10 KOs) in the main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video, live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

In a tense and competitive battle, Davis built an early lead on the judges’ scorecards before Roach mounted an impressive late-round rally. Though Davis is known for his fight-changing knockout power, he struggled to land a signature blow against his former amateur rival. Roach, on the other hand, showcased his resilience and countered effectively with a sharp right hand, landing more punches than Davis over the course of the fight.

Despite throwing 121 more punches than Davis, Roach was unable to secure the victory. A controversial moment in the ninth round saw Davis voluntarily take a knee after a jab, citing grease from his hair dripping into his eye. Had the referee ruled it a knockdown, the fight’s outcome might have swung in Roach’s favor.

The final round proved pivotal, with Roach out-landing Davis 16-9. Judges scored the fight 115-113 for Davis and 114-114 on the remaining two scorecards, resulting in a majority draw. Both fighters expressed interest in a rematch.

“I think I pulled it out in the last three rounds,” Davis said. “I was breaking him down, but he kept coming, so I stayed cautious. Lamont is a great fighter, and I respect him. Hopefully, we can run it back in New York.”

Roach, disappointed in the decision, remained confident in his performance. “I thought I pulled it out. This is what happens when two skilled fighters go at it. I definitely want a rematch.”

Russell Dominates Valenzuela to Capture WBA Super Lightweight Title

In the co-main event, Gary Antuanne Russell (18-1, 17 KOs) delivered a dominant performance, securing a unanimous decision victory over José “Rayo” Valenzuela (14-3, 9 KOs) to claim the WBA Super Lightweight World Title.

From the opening bell, Russell’s relentless pressure and power disrupted Valenzuela’s rhythm. By round seven, Russell’s uppercut and hook combinations left Valenzuela visibly stunned. The onslaught continued through the later rounds, with Russell out-landing his opponent 20-4 in power punches during the ninth round. Despite his corner urging him to stop after round 11, Valenzuela fought on but was ultimately outclassed.

Judges scored the bout 119-109, 119-109, and 120-108, all in favor of Russell.

“This is just a steppingstone,” Russell said. “I’m coming for all the belts.”

Puello Edges Martin in Split Decision Thriller

WBC Super Lightweight Champion Alberto “La Avispa” Puello (24-0, 10 KOs) successfully defended his title with a narrow split-decision victory over Spain’s Sandor Martin (42-4, 15 KOs).

Martin started strong, applying pressure and landing combinations early. However, Puello adjusted in the later rounds, using counterpunching and body shots to slow Martin down. The close contest saw Martin land more power punches, while Puello held the edge in jabs. Judges scored the fight 115-113 for Martin and 115-113, 116-112 for Puello.

Tellez Outpoints Williams for Interim WBA Super Welterweight Title

Cuban prospect Yoenis “El Bandolero” Tellez (10-0, 7 KOs) showcased his power and patience, dominating former IBF World Champion Julian “J Rock” Williams (29-5-1, 17 KOs) to capture the interim WBA Super Welterweight Title.

Tellez controlled the second half of the fight, using thudding hooks and uppercuts to bust up Williams’ face. He out-landed Williams in every statistical category, winning by unanimous decision (118-110, 117-111, 119-109).

Hurd Falls to González in Possible Retirement Bout

Former champion Jarrett “Swift” Hurd (25-4-1, 17 KOs) suffered a split-decision loss to Johan “The Chelo Manotas” González (36-4, 34 KOs) in a grueling 10-round middleweight bout.

The Venezuelan brawler used rough tactics and looping right hands to outwork Hurd, who struggled to find his rhythm. Two judges scored the fight for González (96-94, 98-92), with one favoring Hurd (96-94).

A tearful Hurd hinted at retirement post-fight. “This will be the last time you all see me. Thank you for the love and support.”

Rising Stars Shine on Undercard

In a battle of undefeated welterweight prospects, 19-year-old David “The Bodysnatcher” Whitmire (9-0, 6 KOs) secured a unanimous decision over Ángel “Machete” Muñoz (7-1, 5 KOs).

The action-packed card kicked off with an explosive first-round knockout from Deric “Scooter” Davis (6-0, 6 KOs), who stopped Jamal Johnson (2-1, 1 KO) in under two minutes.

A Historic Night for Barclays Center

The event set a new all-time attendance record at Barclays Center, with a sold-out crowd of 19,250 fans. It also became the venue’s second-highest grossing event ever, further cementing Davis’ star power in Brooklyn.