Isaac Cruz held on to his WBC interim super-lightweight title in opposition to Lamont Roach, and between the 2 of them — together with Gervonta Davis — every is aware of precisely what it’s wish to share a hoop with the others.
Cruz and Roach fought to a draw, as did Davis and Roach, whereas Cruz got here up brief in opposition to Davis once they met in December 2021.
All three may cross paths once more in 2026 if Davis returns to the game, having not fought since his bout with Roach 9 months in the past.
Cruz, certainly one of boxing’s most all-action fighters, can attest to the facility of Roach in addition to the extra famend punching power of “Tank” Davis. Talking to ESPN Knockout, Cruz was requested to check the 2.
“Nicely, they’re comparable.
“He [Roach] does hit onerous, nevertheless it’s not a punch the place you say, ‘Oh no.’ It’s not heartbreaking or out of this world. It’s not that surprising. He did land clear punches, correct punches, and at no time did he make me really feel dangerous. Quite the opposite, I went ahead as an alternative of backing down.”
As Cruz continued to plough ahead, Roach used his counter-punching expertise to good impact throughout their December 6 combat in San Antonio. Roach did take a rely within the third spherical, nonetheless, when Cruz cracked him with a left hook that pressured his glove to the touch the canvas, prompting referee James Inexperienced to manage a rely.
Davis, in the meantime, is famend for his exact, heavy arms, which have accounted for 28 of his 30 victories. He, too, confronted controversy in opposition to Roach when a transparent knockdown was dominated a slip by referee Steve Willis. Davis later claimed he had taken a knee as a result of hair product had run into his eyes.
