Lamont Roach says there is no comparison between him and Frank Martin, as he looks to go one better than his compatriot by dethroning Gervonta Davis.
Davis is set to defend his WBA lightweight world title against Roach in Houston on December 14 on a PBC on Prime pay-per-view, although the fight is still to be officially announced.
Roach will move up to 135lbs from 130lbs where he holds the WBA crown and insists he is a far tougher challenge than Martin, who ‘Tank’ dispatched in eight rounds in June.
“Respectfully I’m not Frank Martin,” the 29-year-old told Cigar Talk.
“Frank Martin started boxing when he was 15?
“He didn’t have the experience to be in there with someone as skilled and as experienced as him.
“I’ve got the same skill level as Tank.
“I’ve got the same experience as Tank.
“I’ve got the reflexes, I’ve got the ability, I’ve damn sure got the IQ.”
‘The Reaper’ has already faced Davis twice before in the amateurs, losing by decision on both occasions.
The Washington man has won six on the bounce since dropping a unanimous decision to Jamel Herring in a bid for the WBC super featherweight world title in 2019, securing the WBA crown with a split decision victory over Hector Luis Garcia in November 2023, whom ‘Tank’ knocked out 10 months prior.
Davis, who is from neighbouring Baltimore, has won 28 of his 30 professional fights by knockout, however Roach insists he has the chin to stand up to the 29-year-old’s power.
“What makes people think I’m going to end up like those guys who didn’t have the experience and skill?” he added.
“I think I’ve got a nice chin.
“I got hit on my chin a couple of times.
“Ain’t nobody never dropped me.
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“Ain’t nobody never seen me hurt in no fight.
“The power might be a little different.”
