NYSAC cites 'technical issue for Davis knee no-call - ESPN

In a recent development, the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) is reported to be "reviewing the matter" involving an incident from last Saturday's WBA lightweight title fight between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach. The bout, which took place in Brooklyn, has sparked controversy due to a perceived oversight by the referee. At the heart of the issue is a 'no-call' for a knee touch by Davis, a crucial point that many believe could have altered the trajectory of the fight.

This 'no-call' has been attributed to a 'technical issue' by the NYSAC. As investigations ensue, the boxing community and fans alike are awaiting a definitive response from the Commission. The outcome of this review could have far-reaching implications for the sport, potentially influencing future refereeing decisions and setting a precedent for how such situations are handled moving forward.

In Saturday's WBA lightweight title fight between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach, a controversial moment has drawn the attention of the New York State Athletic Commission. The incident in question occurred when Davis landed a knee strike on Roach, a move that is not permitted under the rules of boxing. Despite the obvious infraction, the referee did not call a foul on Davis, sparking controversy among boxing fans and analysts.

The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) has issued a statement saying that it is "reviewing the matter". The commission has not yet made a definitive ruling on whether the referee's decision was an error, but the lack of a call on Davis' knee strike has raised questions about the enforcement of the rules in high-stakes boxing matches.

As the governing body for professional boxing in New York, the NYSAC is responsible for ensuring that all fights are conducted according to the rules of the sport. The commission's decision could have significant implications for the future of boxing, particularly in terms of how infractions are handled during matches.

The NYSAC's statement to ESPN, which cited a "technical issue" as the reason for the referee's failure to penalize Davis, has left many in the boxing community dissatisfied. Critics argue that the phrase "technical issue" is too vague and doesn't provide a satisfactory explanation for why Davis was allowed to break the rules without consequence.

Many within the boxing community, including fans and analysts, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the no-call. Critics argue that the incident could have significantly influenced the outcome of the fight. Davis' illegal knee blow, which came during a crucial moment in the 12th round, may have given him an unfair advantage, allowing him to secure the victory over Roach.

The controversy arises from the fact that knee strikes, while part of the regular repertoire in some combat sports, are considered illegal in boxing. A fighter who lands an illegal strike typically faces penalties, including point deductions or even disqualification. However, in the Davis-Roach fight, no such penalties were enforced, leading many to question the officiating.

The NYSAC's statement of a technical issue being responsible for the no-call does little to quell the discontent. Critics have argued that, technical issue or not, the oversight is a reflection of a larger issue within the commission's officiating standards. The incident has sparked calls for increased scrutiny and possible changes to the regulatory process.

Despite the controversy, it's crucial to note that the outcome of the fight is not likely to change. Davis' victory over Roach stands, and any potential penalties or changes to regulations will not retroactively affect the result. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining high officiating standards in professional boxing.

Boxing rules and regulations, especially those pertaining to fouls, are a crucial aspect of the sport, as they help maintain the integrity of the competition. According to Margaret Goodman, MD, neurologist and former chairman of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, "In boxing, the use of the knee against an opponent is considered a foul. This includes intentionally striking an opponent with the knee or using it to gain an unfair advantage."

Dr. Goodman further explained, "In case of such a foul, it is the responsibility of the referee to make a call. In situations where the referee does not make a call, the athletic commission may step in to review the situation. However, the process and criteria for such reviews can vary from one athletic commission to another."

The New York State Athletic Commission's rules specifically state that a boxer who commits a foul can be penalized. These penalties can range from point deductions to disqualification, depending on the severity of the foul and whether it is deemed intentional or accidental. In this case, the NYSAC is examining whether there was a failure to call Davis's knee a foul and, if so, whether there was a technical issue that led to this oversight.

The New York State Athletic Commission's decision to review the outcome of the recent Gervonta Davis-Lamont Roach WBA lightweight title fight has drawn attention to the role of technicalities in boxing. The incident has highlighted the need for clarity and consistency in the application and interpretation of rules within the sport.

While the outcome of the match may not change, the controversy surrounding the 'no-call' on Davis' knee has sparked discussions on how such situations can be handled better in the future. As the NYSAC continues its review, the boxing community waits with bated breath for a decision that could potentially influence the way rules are enforced in the sport.

Regardless of the final decision, this incident serves as a reminder that the integrity of boxing relies not just on the athletes' skills and strategy, but also on the fair and accurate enforcement of rules. The incident involving Davis and Roach underscores the importance of this aspect of the sport and its impact on the athletes, the fans, and the overall credibility of boxing.

Source: https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/44097765/nysac-blames-technical-issue-davis-knee-no-call-says-matter-review