Eddie Hearn is calling for newly minted WBO lightweight champion Keyshawn Davis to face his Cuban rival Andy Cruz, insisting that it’s the only high-profile option available. Davis picked up the WBO title by knocking out Denys Berinchyk in four rounds last month but finds himself short on marketable opposition at 135. Hearn believes a fight with Cruz – who beat Keyshawn four times in the amateurs – would draw immediate attention, especially given Davis’ ongoing struggles to land the likes of Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz or Gervonta “Tank” Davis.
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Hearn cites the absence of realistic alternatives, noting that Pitbull Cruz remains elusive and that many top-ranked lightweights are otherwise occupied. Meanwhile, Cruz has continually called out Davis, citing unfinished business from their amateur days. Despite Davis’ claim that capturing the WBO belt would open doors, his promoter Top Rank now faces the challenge of finding a truly compelling next fight.
From Hearn’s perspective, the matchup makes sense. He believes both fighters have styles that would excite fans, and it may not require the same financial outlay as bigger name fights. He also floated the possibility of Floyd Schofield taking on Cruz, though Hearn doubts Schofield would risk his own budding shot at Shakur Stevenson by tangling with the tricky Cuban.
Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing