Gervonta Davis vs Lamont Roach Jr: a fight for legacy

Gervonta Davis is back at Barclays Center on Saturday night, defending his WBA lightweight title against Lamont Roach Jr. in what many expect to be another routine victory.

But as Davis eyes another knockout, the real conversation remains: when will he face the division’s biggest names?

The unbeaten Baltimore southpaw (30-0, 28 KOs) has built a reputation as one of boxing’s most reliable attractions, selling out arenas and delivering highlight-reel finishes.

Roach, a WBA super featherweight champion moving up in weight, hopes to pull off an upset but enters as a heavy underdog. “I’m here to boogie,” Roach said. Davis, unfazed, simply smirked: “Fireworks.”

Despite his dominance, Davis has yet to face top-tier opponents like Devin Haney, Vasiliy Lomachenko, or Shakur Stevenson. His stoppage of Ryan Garcia in 2023 was high-profile, but critics argue he still lacks a defining win.

Now 30, Davis insists he plans to be more active in 2025, aiming for three fights after just one last year. But volume alone won’t cement his legacy—only the right opponent will.

For now, Barclays will be buzzing, expecting another Davis showcase. But the fight that truly matters is still on hold.