Photo Credit: ESPN
On Saturday night, the odds were highly stacked against Gervonta "Tank" Davis, but he successfully defended his WBA lightweight title with a devastating knockout victory over Rolando Romero. The fight took place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
"He caught me with a good shot," Romero admitted after the fight. "Tank is a great puncher, no doubt about it. I just need to bounce back from this."
The two fighters were locked in a back-and-forth war through the first five rounds. Davis appeared to be in control early, utilizing his speed and accuracy to outbox the taller Romero. However, Romero found his rhythm in the middle rounds, landing several powerful shots that seemed to stun Davis at times.
The tide turned decisively in the sixth round when Davis caught Romero with a perfect counter left hand that sent Romero crashing face-first to the canvas.
"As soon as I caught him, I knew it was over," Davis said. "I set that punch up perfectly and it landed flush. Romero is a tough fighter, but I have that next-level power."
According to CompuBox punch stats, Davis landed 59 of 204 punches (28.9%) while Romero connected on 47 of 279 (16.8%). The knockout blow was scored as the most significant punch of the fight.
Officials from the New York State Athletic Commission reported that Romero was immediately attended to by medical personnel in the ring. He eventually regained consciousness and was able to walk out under his own power, but was still sent to a hospital as a precaution.
Davis, now 27-0 with 25 knockouts, proclaimed himself as one of the top fighters in the world regardless of weight class. "I'm the cash cow of boxing. I go in that ring and I entertain every time. I'm must-see TV, baby!"
Promoters were already discussing potential next opponents for Davis, with undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney and unified champion George Kambosos Jr. at the top of the list. Kambosos' promoter Lou DiBella weighed in, "Now that's the fight the fans want to see - Gervonta Davis against the winner of Haney-Kambosos this summer."
While Romero was transported to the hospital, officials confirmed there were no immediate reports of serious injuries stemming from the devastating knockout loss. Davis' thunderous left hand undoubtedly stole the show and further elevated his status as one of boxing's most riveting young stars.
