New date set for Gervonta Davis v Lamont Roach Jr rematch

Gervonta Davis' rematch with Lamont Roach has been delayed until August, according to a report.

Set to take place on June 21, The Ring's Mike Coppinger has reported that the bout will now take place on August 16.

The location of the rematch is yet to be confirmed, although various reports suggest it will remain at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, as initially planned.

Davis retained his WBA lightweight title in March following a majority draw at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Two judges scored the fight 114-114, while a third judge scored it in Davis' favour 115-113.

However, there was controversy in the ninth round when Davis inexplicably took a knee near his corner before leaning over the ropes, insisting there was something in his eye.

Despite the unified rules of boxing stating a fighter touching the canvas with anything other than their feet is considered a knockdown, referee Steve Willis allowed Davis to continue, a decision that ultimately cost Roach dear.

Davis subsequently blamed hair product as the reason behind his actions, although Roach was left visibly irked by the outcome.

"If you voluntarily take a knee and the ref's not counting, that's a knockdown," the Washington D.C. native said. "If that's a knockdown, I win the fight."

Roach remains the WBA super featherweight champion but will get a second crack at the lightweight belt this summer when he reacquaints himself with Davis.

'Tank' had been in negotiations to box Jake Paul next in an unexpected crossover clash.

However, his draw with Roach has since delayed those plans, although Eddie Hearn has suggested Paul will face Davis in November if he beats Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Jaquob Crooke

• • 
  •