LOS ANGELES – Gervonta Davis turns out to be human. And he’s still good enough to raise his hand.
Isaac Cruz gave “The Tank” everything he could handle, stalking one of the sport’s biggest boxers from the opening ring and knocking down many of his favorite hits. Still, Davis weathered the storm, weathered his own licks, weathered an injured left hand and emerged with a unanimous decision victory in Saturday’s 12-round lightweight match at Staples Center .
Davis (26-0.24 KOs) has stopped 16 of his previous opponents, creating a fearsome reputation in the process.
So many of the 15,850 fans who packed Staples Center are expected to watch the #17 knockout on Saturday night. The fact that they didn’t see a stoppage goal was probably a disappointment. But a great fight is a nice consolation.
Gervonta Davis (right) had to dig deep to defeat Isaac Cruz. Katelyn Mulcahy / Getty Images
Cruz (22-2-1, 15 KOs) delivered favorable punches in the first round, like when he knocked out Diego Magdaleno in 53 seconds last year. Davis, slick as strong, survived but it’s clear that Mexicans are called “Pitbull” which means business.
Cruz fought with more restraint afterward but maintained pressure on Davis until the final bell, delivering more punches than we’re used to seeing Davis take.
Davis decided in the mid-rounds that he would recommend boxing rather than brawling, a tactic that worked for him. He scores from outside, dances harmlessly or spins as Cruz approaches to control those rounds.
And he did so despite nampaw saying he injured his left hand in the sixth round.
However, Cruz, who was difficult to clear, took everything Davis landed and kept moving forward. And he finished brilliantly, creating some anxious moments for Davis fans as they awaited the decision.
The scores are 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113. Boxing Junkie also scored 115-113 for Davis, giving Cruz the final three innings.
Some cheered when the decision was announced, some booed. That’s how the battle competes.
Davis probably felt relieved and happy afterward. Katelyn Mulcahy / Getty Images
“At the start of the fight, he was strong,” Davis said. “I feel like the fight is going on, he is breaking down. But I injured my hand, so I couldn’t get him out of there.”
Davis believes he injured his hand above the head of his shorter opponent.
“I don’t know,” he said. “I have to check my hands. That’s what it is. That’s what comes with this sport. He was a lower boxer, so I threw the top of his head. I hit him with my knuckles and messed it up. I injured my arm in the sixth round.
“No matter if the opponent is taller or shorter, I have to overcome it. He is a warrior. Even though he didn’t win, a star was born tonight.”
Cruz raised his hands in the air after the final bell, seemingly believing he had done enough to win the fight. He was disappointed in the result but dealt with it with the class.
“I have nothing to say, the fans are saying who won this match,” he said through an interpreter. “That’s my style. Pitbull is always ready to attack. I think we kept the rhythm from start to finish.
“If the fans want to see a rematch, we’ll do it.”
Davis is not interested in a rematch. He was asked about that possibility and answered emphatically, “No.”
Maybe it was a nod to what the hell Cruz had in store for him. Most likely the £135 secondary title winner will now keep an eye on undisputed champion George Kambosos, who is on the verge of a sensational victory over Teofimo Lopez.
“Whatever the best opportunity is for me, I’ll do it,” Davis said. “All of them are easy jobs. I am the top dog. ”
