British promoter Eddie Hearn has shared his thoughts on a potential bout between his client, IBF International champion Andy Cruz (3-0, 1 KO), and American lightweight boxer (up to 61.2 kg) Keyshawn Davis (10-0, 7 KOs). This match is currently one of the most discussed among prospects.
"Cruz needs someone truly special as an opponent to give him a competitive fight. He doesn’t need to make a statement to get a fight with Keyshawn Davis. It only depends on whether Top Rank wants the fight.
Top Rank just knows that Keyshawn can't beat Andy Cruz. There's no way in the world that Davis' promoters or team would let him get close to Andy Cruz.
Now, it's going to be difficult to find the right opponent and the right name; they need to pay a lot of money. I'm promoting Keyshawn more than anyone has in his entire career. When have you heard Top Rank and Bob Arum talk about Keyshawn Davis like I do?
He just can't beat Andy Cruz," Hearn said for Fighthype.
Meanwhile, Cruz himself believes that their confrontation against Keyshawn depends entirely on Davis.
"Whether we face Keyshawn Davis depends entirely on him. I'm progressing. I'm doing everything right. I'm doing all I can, but he needs to move forward and show he's one of the best, so it's entirely up to him whether we meet in the future," Cruz stated.
On the night of February 25th, Andy Cruz defeated Bryan Sammarripa and defended his IBF International lightweight title. Keyshawn won against Jose Pedraza by technical knockout in the 6th round on February 8th.
Cruz and Davis have fought before – at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Andy won by a judges' decision, earning him the gold medal of the competition.