Davis v Roach Jr Preview and Prediction

Gervonta Davis (1.06) v Lamont Roach Jr (8.50) (WBA Lightweight Championship)

When: Sunday, March 2, 6:00 AM SAST

It was seemingly inevitable that it would come to this. As kids, Davis and Roach came through the same amateur circuit and fought twice as teenagers, in the nationals and the 2011 Junior Olympics finals, with Davis winning both encounters.

Once they turned pro, in 2013 and 2014 respectively, Davis had a rocket strapped to him as Floyd Mayweather’s protégé, whereas Roach had to travel a far less glamourous path. Both more than did well for themselves.

Davis became an absolute superstar and one of the faces of the sport as an undefeated knockout artist draped in gold. Roach had a stumble or two but also captured a world title, five pounds south of his former foe. 

In boxing, though, not all world champions are created equal. In the pro ranks, these two aren’t even in the same stratosphere of stars. Davis, the WBA lightweight champion, is a made man and a global icon, while Roach, holder of the WBA super featherweight belt, is a name few other than hardcore fans are familiar with.

Now, Davis has given his old rival a shot at the big time. Will it be another punishing “Tank” production, or, will “The Reaper” shock the world? Considering Davis’ dominance as an undefeated destroyer and the fact that Roach is moving up in weight, the challenger is being written off.  

Davis is no stranger to being an astronomical favourite and carrying the weight of expectation. A perfect 30-0 with 28 knockouts, the 30-year-old delivers time and time again. That said, the circumstances surrounding this fight have some wondering whether Roach is the right man at the right time to turn the sport upside down.

Davis seems to be thinking about everything but Roach. His beef with former mentor turned rival Mayweather is at an all-time high, while he also dropped the bombshell that he’ll retire at the end of the year, saying he’s fed up with all things boxing. In the fight game, it’s never a good thing to have one foot out of the door as it could have disastrous consequences.  

Roach, whose record stands at 25-1-1 with 10 knockouts, doesn’t have the power to change his life with a single blow, but his familiarity with Davis gives him more of a chance than many of Davis’ previous opponents. Still, he’d have to fight a perfect fight, both offensively and defensively, for 12 rounds and catch Davis off his game to have a change.

Given Davis’ power as a savage southpaw and the fact that 29-year-old Roach is very hittable and especially counterable, the fight will likely end only one way. Davis has seemingly fired himself up for the fight, warning Roach to leave his wife and children at home. It remains to be seen just how focused Davis is, but the gulf in power and class will see him stop Roach and send the live crowd home happy. 

Prediction: Davis by knockout.
Best Bet: Davis by knockout at 1.25.
Alternative Bet: Over 7.5 rounds at 1.77.