All amateurs have the same history. Cruz beat Davis four times, including the Olympic final in Tokyo. Since becoming a professional, Cruz has relied on that record and often refers to Davis as “the son.” The voice is light, but the message is clear. Cruz believes the competition was settled a long time ago.
Talk to Ring MagazineCruz said the burden is on Davis to go beyond interviews.
“If my son wants to meet again, the doors are always open,” said Cruz. “But the other side is different.”
Davis has been publicly targeting Cruz for more than two years without pushing for the fight. Cruz’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, and Matchroom said they would accept it. Davis is being promoted by Top Rank, and has yet to see any effort from that side to make the match honest.
That reluctance is easy to understand. Davis is being discussed as an influence in the future, with many business plans in mind. Cruz brings the risk without financial risk, especially in their past. Another obvious loser would be a direct cut to where Davis is ranked.
Cruz said he plans to watch Davis’ upcoming fight with Jamaine Ortiz from ringside at Madison Square Garden.
“I’ll be in the front row,” Cruz said. “Be proud, I’ll be there.”
Cruz is waiting to see if Davis will act. Until then, the competition remains what Davis is talking about, and Cruz doesn’t need to renew it unless it’s true.
