Davis subsequently ascended in weight classes, thereby exiting Cruz’s immediate sphere and simultaneously diminishing much of the ongoing critique that he was evading a competitor who consistently outperformed him during their amateur careers.
Since turning professional, Cruz has openly pursued a rematch, frequently referencing their history as amateurs and positioning himself as the unresolved yardstick in Davis’s career trajectory. The bout, however, has never advanced beyond media interviews and social media posts. As Davis navigated the lightweight division and subsequently moved up to 140 pounds, their paths diverged rather than converged, despite their amateur rivalry remaining remarkably one-sided among elite contemporary fighters.
“I believe it hinges on the strategies each individual employs in the ring,” Cruz stated. “But I think my son inherits my spirit, so I afford him a slight edge,” he further commented, in a discussion with YSM Sports Media.
The divergence in their professional trajectories has become increasingly pronounced. Davis secured a lightweight championship last February against Denys Berinchyk, a titleholder many observers considered the most attainable option at that time. Cruz, conversely, is gearing up to contend against Raymond Muratalla for a world title on January 24 — in what will be only his seventh professional contest — facing one of the weight class’s most comprehensive practitioners.
The disparity in willingness to take risks between the two fighters is now unmistakable. Muratalla presents a degree of difficulty Davis has not yet been compelled to face — a relentless, high-volume brawler characterized by sturdiness, tactical positioning, and the capability to enforce extended exchanges over a full twelve rounds. This caliber of adversary is typically introduced to ascertain if a rapidly advanced contender can operate without protective measures, rather than being selected merely to sustain momentum.
When queried about his expectations for the competitiveness of Davis’s contest with Ortiz, Cruz conceded the inherent hazards, yet again described the encounter through the lens of fighting styles rather than emotional inclinations.
“Ortiz is an exceptional fighter, a well-rounded combatant,” Cruz remarked. “It depends on whether he adopts the approach he desires.”
