If Davis is serious about wanting the fight now, it would mark a major shift in direction. He didn’t show any real interest in dealing with Cruz as a professional. Cruz, meanwhile, pursued the fight publicly, still referring to Davis as “my son,” a line that underscores the imbalance he believes still exists between them.
Making the fight would represent a real gamble for Davis, especially given his attention at welterweight. He spoke openly about moving up to 147 to challenge Devin Haney for the WBO title. To retain the title, Davis must defeat Jamaine Ortiz on January 31 at Madison Square Garden.
Even then, the funds may depend on the Riyadh Season to support the idea. A Davis win over Haney would complicate plans for a second fight between Haney and Ryan Garcia, a rematch that would be worth a lot if Haney loses.
“Let’s say Andy Cruz knocked out Muratalla. OK, boom, now we can fight,” Davis told The Ring Magazine. “You knocked out Muratalla. Forget 147. Let’s see how that fight goes.”
It is reasonable to be skeptical. Davis has everything to lose against Cruz and nothing in his past meetings suggests that the outcome will change. He loses every time they fight, and the edge is wider than narrow.
None of that matters if Davis can’t get past Ortiz. Many fans see that fight as a toss up. Ortiz looked faster, threw lighter combinations, and faced a stronger level of opposition. He remained busy. Top Rank’s careful handling of Davis against smaller opponents could catch him off guard.
“Right now I have a lot going on with Devin Haney. That’s a big fight for me,” Davis said. “Why don’t you go to 147 and fight him?”
He also teased other options, including a fight with new British champion Dalton Smith. But everything depends on January 31. Lose there, and the Cruz speech is irrelevant. Win, and Davis will have to decide if he really wants to face the one fighter who had his number.
Video: Andy Cruz vs. Keyshawn Davis, Tokyo 2020 Olympic lightweight final
