After dropping a split decision on the Gervonta Davis vs Lamont Roach undercard, ‘Swift’ announced his retirement from professional boxing.
Last night’s Pay-Per-View card headlined by Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and Lamont Roach Jr was a rather dull and dreary affair, at least up until its controversial conclusion.
However, there was one story of note – outside of the main event – as a former world champion confirmed that he was ready to exit stage left.
Former champion retires after defeat on Davis vs Roach undercard
Heading into last night’s event, former WBA World, IBF World, and IBO Super Welterweight champion Jarrett ‘Swift’ Hurd was favored to turn back the clock against Johan Gonzalez.
Unfortunately for the former world champion, he just couldn’t get it going out in Brooklyn; rocked with overhand rights early on, Gonzalez took control of round after round.
Hurd did manage to get the crowd off their feet in the eighth as he unloaded a combination to keep Gonzalez backed up against the ropes – but failed to capitalize on that momentum as the Venezuelan ran away with the final rounds.
Prior to that fight, Hurd had claimed that “If I can’t get past this one baby, it’s over with for me,” and following his split-decision loss to Gonzalez, followed through on that promise.
“I just want to say that God is good, both fighters made it out healthy – this was my first time fighting an opponent with three arms, you know what I mean.
“I’m a man of my word… This will be the last time y’all see me, man. I thank each and every one of y’all for the love and support. Yes sir, I had a wonderful career.”
Hurd bows out with a professional record of 25-4-1, having claimed championship gold with a vicious TKO of Tony Harrison and defending his throne three times between 2017 and 2019.
Results from Gervonta Davis vs Lamont Roach Jr in New York
Jarrett Hurd’s retirement announcement came slap bang in the middle of a rather strenuous night of action out in Brooklyn, with eight of the nine scheduled fights going the distance.
Christian Cangelosi and Dwyke Flemmings Kr scored unanimous decision wins to open the card before Deric Davis landed a fabulous first-round knockout to break the streak.
David Whitmire then earned a UD win over Angel Munoz before Gonzalez sent Hurd into retirement with the aforementioned split decision to round out the prelims.
Four title fights followed on the main card: Yoenis Tellez won the interim WBA Super Welterweight title, Alberto Puello defended his WBC Super Lightweight title, and Gary Antuanne Russell claimed the WBA Super Lightweight belt against Jose Valenzuela.
Then came the controversial main event; in which Gervonta Davis retained championship gold with a majority draw – although he was extremely lucky to do so.
Only a few moments into the ninth round, Roach landed an errant jab and ‘Tank’ dropped to a knee, which should have been ruled a knockdown, but wasn’t by referee Steve Willis.
According to the now 30-0-1 star, the move was a result of Davis getting grease from his hair in his eyes, with his explanation being met with a wave of boos from the crowd.