Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. Fight Preview: Predictions, Odds, Undercard, and Expert Picks

Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. Fight Preview: Predictions, Odds, Undercard, and Expert Picks

Childhood rivals face off in Brooklyn this Saturday with the WBA lightweight title on the line.

As Gervonta Davis enters 2025, he has hinted that it may be his final year as a professional boxer. If true—though boxers’ retirements often prove fleeting—one of the sport’s biggest stars begins his last campaign with a highly anticipated bout against Lamont Roach Jr. this Saturday, defending his WBA lightweight championship.

Davis has become one of boxing's most prominent figures, boasting a flawless 30-0 record with only two opponents surviving until the final bell. Outside the ring, Davis has faced controversies, including allegations of domestic violence and a hit-and-run conviction, but his career has been marked by his undeniable talent.

However, one criticism of Davis is his reluctance to face the toughest challenges in a division filled with formidable competitors. When he has squared off with other top names, Davis has delivered spectacular performances, including his knockout win over Ryan Garcia in 2023.

Since that victory, Davis has fought only once, scoring an eighth-round knockout of Frank Martin in June.

Roach’s Confidence Ahead of the Showdown

Lamont Roach Jr. is no stranger to Davis' style. The two have known each other since childhood, growing up near one another and competing in amateur boxing ranks, with Davis getting the better of Roach during their earlier encounters in Maryland.

“I think our amateur experience will play a significant role,” Roach said, speaking to CBS Sports’ Brian Campbell. “There are things I know about Davis that I will use to my advantage."

Though Roach has suffered a professional loss to Jamel Herring in his first attempt at a world title, he bounced back, learning from the defeat and becoming world champion by winning the WBA junior lightweight belt from Hector García. After defending the title successfully, Roach now steps up to face the biggest challenge of his career, moving up in weight to battle Davis.

Although Roach enters as a significant underdog, he believes he’s fully prepared for the fight.

“The tenacity I’m bringing will be something Davis isn’t used to,” Roach said. “It’s going to be one of the best fights of the year, I promise you.”

Strong Undercard Fights

The undercard features a solid lineup, including WBA junior welterweight champion Jose Valenzuela, who faces Maryland’s Gary Antuanne Russell. Valenzuela claimed his title by defeating Isaac Cruz in August and followed that by knocking out Chris Colbert in December 2023. Russell, meanwhile, is coming off his first career loss in June when he was defeated by Alberto Puello for the interim WBC title.

Fight Card and Betting Odds

• Gervonta Davis (c) -1800 vs. Lamont Roach +975 – WBA Lightweight Title
• Gary Antuanne Russell -120 vs. Jose Valenzuela (c) +100 – WBA Junior Welterweight Title
• Alberto Puello (c) -125 vs. Sandor Martin +105 – WBC Junior Welterweight Title
• Yoenis Tellez -1400 vs. Julian Williams +840 – Junior Middleweights

Where to Watch

Date: March 1 | Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn
Start time: 8 p.m. ET
How to watch: Prime Video PPV or PPV.com | Price: $79.95

Prediction

Roach is a solid competitor, and his confidence going into the fight is a positive. However, he is at a similar level to many of the fighters Davis has already dominated throughout his career. There’s nothing about Roach that stands out as something Davis hasn’t already handled before.

Although Roach’s amateur experience with Davis could provide some insights, it’s important to remember that Davis was always the superior fighter, even as teenagers. Davis remains smarter, more disciplined, and more powerful than Roach. While the challenger may steal an early round or two due to Davis’ tendency to start slow, once Davis finds his rhythm, it’s likely only a matter of time before he lands a knockout blow.

Pick: Gervonta Davis via KO (Round 7)

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