During today’s press gathering, Lamont Roach dedicated a significant portion of his time to expressing his opinions about Gervonta Davis, rather than concentrating on his upcoming match against WBC interim light welterweight titleholder Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, scheduled for December 6 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.
(Credit: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions)
Roach Struggles to Move Past the Tank Encounter
Lamont Roach (25-1-2, 10 KOs) claims that he was unjustly denied a victory against Tank Davis earlier in the year, specifically on March 1, and he believes this has had a negative impact on his career. He suggests that a win in that fight would have led to greater financial rewards and increased recognition.
Instead of appreciating the opportunity that Tank provided by choosing him for a fight that some might argue he hadn’t earned, Roach seems resentful about the outcome and the lack of a rematch.
His performance wasn’t particularly remarkable, despite the fight being scored as a 12-round draw. It appeared more that Davis was not fully engaged mentally during the bout, perhaps suggesting a lack of commitment.
Roach disputes this assessment, asserting that Gervonta was at his best and that he, Roach, had managed to make Davis appear less formidable.
A Reality Check Looms on December 6
A loss to ‘Pitbull’ Cruz (28-3-1, 18 KOs) could provide a more realistic perspective, potentially revealing that Roach’s self-assessment of his abilities might be inflated.
Promises a Severe Beating for Pitbull
“If I don’t [knock him out], I promise you it’s gonna be the worst he ever got beat,” Lamont Roach stated at today’s press conference, indicating his intention to inflict a more severe defeat on Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz than Gervonta Davis did.
Roach isn’t known for his knockout power, making it difficult to envision him achieving what the harder-hitting Tank Davis, Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela, and Rolly Romero couldn’t accomplish.
“I was unrightfully screwed out of a victory to be a two-division world champion,” Roach lamented, referring to the disputed outcome of his fight against Tank Davis on March 1, 2025. “That’s a big difference coming into another fight.
Roach projects an image of someone who is struggling to move forward, seemingly unable to forget the past. It’s as if he’s still mentally on the battlefield. Hopefully, this issue will not continue to trouble him even in his later years.
“That’s a big difference in money. That’s a big difference in notoriety and a big difference in legacy,” Roach emphasized.
Tim Compton has been writing on the sweet science since 2015, known for his sharp takes, technical breakdowns, and behind-the-ropes perspective.
