By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Gervonta Davis’ long-awaited return inside the boxing ring will finally happen on December 14, 2024, after the World Boxing Association (WBA) confirmed that he will be defending his lightweight title against Lamont Roach Jr.
According to multiple reports, Roach Jr. was given ‘special permission’ to move up from junior lightweight to lightweight to pave the way for his dream bout against Davis.
“After the respective analysis and based on the internal rules of the organization, it was decided to grant the request to Roach under certain conditions,” stated the WBA.
Roach Jr., an American rising star who holds the world title in the 130-lbs division, decided to leave his weight class and seized the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share the ring with the biggest opponent of his career so far.
The technical boxer only dropped a single professional fight in 25 total bouts and is seeking to extend his winning streak to seven straight matches.
Roach Jr. is yet to lose a fight in four years and is widely recognized as a top dog in the junior lightweight division.
On the other hand, Davis, who was supposed to fight Vasiliy Lomachenko before their contract negotiation stalled two months ago, is still inactive after his knockout win over Frank Martin.
Davis kept his perfect win-loss record untainted and increased his knockout tally to 28 out of 30 total fights.
As per several boxing analysts, this fight will be an entirely new atmosphere for Davis as Roach Jr. possesses a high IQ inside the boxing ring.
Equipped with fluid footwork and efficient head movement to avoid further trouble, Roach Jr. is expected to dissect Davis and turn the fight into a chess match.
However, this will also be the first time that Roach Jr. will face a lethal puncher in Davis, who knocked out his last four opponents.
Will Roach Jr.’s style neutralize Davis’ power? Or will we witness another lopsided masterclass from the reigning lightweight king?
Place your bets.
