By Alan Dawson
THE prospective rematch between Isaac Cruz and Gervonta Davis will be prime for 2025.
That’s according to ‘Pitbull’ Cruz’s manager Sean Gibbons, who told Boxing News this week that a second fight against ‘Tank’ Davis is likely only a matter of time as his fighter continues to develop a significant fanbase.
The 26-year-old must first dispatch his next opponent Jose Valenzuela, whom he faces Saturday at the 22,000 capacity BMO Stadium in Los Angeles — the co-main feature to Terence Crawford’s return to the ring against Israil Madrimov atop the first Riyadh Season event in the United States.
“It’s a monster venue,” Gibbons told us. “When you come to LA, it’s an extension of Mexico.”
Gibbons said Mexican fight fans turned out in droves to support Cruz in 2021 at the Staples Center when he became one of the few fighters to take ‘Tank’ to a decision, losing by only a slim margin on the scorecards. “It’s Pitbull-mania out here,” he said.
“You either have the ‘It’ factor, or you don’t. And he does. And I believe our fight with Valenzuela will be the real main event.
“It’s the co-feature right now,” Gibbons told us, “but that’s the Mexican Mike Tyson. Everything he throws is with bad intentions. And that’s the type of fighter people want to watch fight.”
Victory over Valenzuela, in a fight in which Gibbons sees their opponent bringing a similar Mexican style with plenty of heart, could catapult Cruz into that ‘Tank’ rematch.
“In 2025 I see us getting that shot,” said Gibbons.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 15: WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis (R) punches Frank Martin during a title fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena on June 15, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Davis retained his title with an eighth-round knockout. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
In recent fights, Davis has only increased his profile as, in his last five bouts, he’s beaten Cruz, Rolando Romero, Hector Luis Garcia, Ryan Garcia, and Frank Martin.
“Gervonta is doing his thing, and we’re doing our thing,” Gibbons told us.
Though there are five months left in the year, it’s unlikely to happen in 2024, said Gibbons. That’s because Tank is linked with a return to the ring later in the year against Shakur Stevenson, and Gibbons wants to box Cruz once again in December against a to-be-determined opponent.
But, after that, the pathway may be clear to secure a significant payday against Davis, one of boxing’s faces.
“I really hope in 2025 we can get together.”