Gervonta Davis does not lack options. But if he wants a return fight that carries instant meaning, Isaac Cruz still stands above the rest.
As Davis deals with ongoing legal matters and the weight class picture shifts around him, the usual speculation has followed: who’s next, and how soon?
There are marketable names and fresh matchups available. But only one opponent comes with a story that never fully settled the first time.
Cruz.
The Chapter That Never Fully Closed
Their December 2021 meeting ended in a unanimous decision win for Davis.
On paper, it was clear. In the ring, it was competitive.
Cruz’s pressure forced Davis to adjust in ways few opponents have managed. For long stretches, Davis boxed with caution, relying on timing and control rather than imposing himself.
It was not controversy. It was discomfort for the champion.
And that kind of night tends to follow a fighter until he answers it.
Timing Changes The Choice
Cruz is no longer a short-notice replacement stepping into the spotlight. He has stayed active, improved, and kept calling for the sequel.
Davis, meanwhile, faces uncertainty on his timeline while legal proceedings continue. That makes the opponent selection more important than usual.
If Davis wants a comeback that quiets questions instead of creating new ones, Cruz is the cleanest answer. The history is already there, and the stakes don’t need manufacturing.
Clarity From Cruz’s Side
Advisor Sean Gibbons confirmed to World Boxing News that Cruz has identified Davis as his primary target.
No conditions have been floated publicly. No demands. No pre-fight theater. From Cruz’s side, the message is simple: if Davis wants it, the door is open.
That matters in a division where talks often stall before they begin.
Risk, Reward, And Reputation
Davis remains one of boxing’s biggest draws. He can sell fights against multiple opponents.
But few matchups offer what Cruz does: a chance to settle the one result that still sparks fan debate.
A decisive Davis win ends the debate. A tighter fight — or a reversal — changes the lightweight conversation immediately.
That is the risk. It is also why the rematch carries real weight.
The Choice People Will Judge
When Davis returns, the opponent will be read as a statement.
Cruz is the most direct route back into meaningful competition because the first fight already proved he is not a formality.
If the rematch happens, the story gets its ending. If it does not, the question will linger every time Davis is linked to someone else.
Because for all the names at 135 to 140, few come with a lingering question that still demands an answer.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.
