Keyshawn Davis has reignited his rivalry with Andy Cruz, the Cuban boxer who defeated him four times during their amateur careers. Speaking in an interview with MillCity Boxing, Davis (12-0, 8 KOs) expressed skepticism about Cruz’s ability to thrive at the professional level, predicting that Cruz will “lose” before reaching his level in the sport.
Cruz, the 2020 Olympic gold medalist, faces Omar Salcido (20-1, 14 KOs) tonight in a 10-round WBC lightweight title eliminator at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The fight is part of the undercard for Diego Pacheco vs. Steven Nelson.
Davis Critiques Cruz’s Style and Power
Davis criticized Cruz’s fighting style and questioned his durability in professional boxing:
- “He’s fragile. He doesn’t have respectable power,” Davis claimed, adding that Cruz’s amateur style may not translate effectively in 12-round professional bouts.
- “If you’re getting hurt in your development stage, what do you think I’m going to do to you?” Davis asked, referencing Cruz’s recent knockout victory over Antonio Moran, who had also been defeated by Devin Haney years earlier.
Keyshawn Davis vs. Andy Cruz: A Rivalry Rekindled
Fans and media continue to pressure Davis to fight Cruz in a professional bout to settle their rivalry. However, Davis has dismissed the idea, asserting that Cruz, with only four professional fights, hasn’t earned a shot against him.
“They better just make him a mandatory real quick before something happens to him,” Davis remarked, alluding to his belief that Cruz will suffer a loss before earning a title shot.
Key Takeaways from Davis’ Statements
| Key Topics | Davis’ Remarks | Cruz’s Response/Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Cruz’s Fragility | “He doesn’t have respectable power. He can’t keep someone off him.” | Cruz recently knocked out Antonio Moran, showing he does have KO power in professional bouts. |
| Amateur vs. Professional | “A three-round fight and a 12-round fight are very different.” | Cruz’s style has been effective so far, but Davis argues it won’t work long-term. |
| Rivalry and Pressure | “Keep building your name off mine. I’ll knock him out if we ever fight.” | Cruz has continued to call out Davis, keeping the rivalry alive in the media. |
| Future Opponents | Davis aims for high-profile fights with Lomachenko or Gervonta Davis if a bout with Cruz doesn’t materialize. | N/A |
Cruz’s Rising Career
Despite Davis’ criticisms, Cruz has shown promise in his professional journey. In his last fight, Cruz scored a seventh-round knockout against Antonio Moran, displaying sharp counter-punching and power. Tonight’s fight against Salcido is another opportunity for Cruz to prove he belongs among the lightweight elite.
Davis’ Record Under Scrutiny
Critics have also pointed out that Davis’ professional résumé lacks marquee victories. Although undefeated, his best wins include opponents like Jose Pedraza and Nahir Albright, with the latter giving Davis a tough fight.
What’s Next?
Keyshawn Davis remains focused on becoming a world champion and unifying titles, while Cruz continues to build his profile in the professional ranks. Whether their paths will cross again in the ring remains uncertain, but the tension between the two fighters guarantees that a potential bout would be highly anticipated.
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