Roach Jr. Forgoes Davis Rematch, Steps Up to Junior Welterweight for Cruz Clash

Lamont Roach Jr., having seemingly exhausted avenues for a rematch with Gervonta Davis, is set to ascend to the junior welterweight division, where he will face Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz on December 6 for Cruz’s interim World Boxing Council (WBC) title, according to reports from ESPN.

Roach Jr.’s decision marks a significant shift in his career trajectory. The Baltimore native fought Davis to a controversial draw in March, a bout widely perceived to have been won by Roach. The contest was for Davis’s World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight title. Despite immediate talks of a rematch, Davis’s camp appeared to stall, eventually scheduling an exhibition match with social media personality Jake Paul in November.

Rather than remaining idle and awaiting a potentially elusive Davis rematch, Roach Jr. has opted to move up to the 140-pound division for a high-stakes encounter with Cruz. He carries a seven-fight unbeaten streak and the lingering sentiment that he was unjustly denied a world title in his previous outing.

Cruz, known for his aggressive style and relentless pressure, also has a history with Davis. The Mexico City native engaged in a highly competitive fight with Davis in December 2021, ultimately losing a unanimous decision. Cruz has since been vocal about his desire for a rematch, which has yet to materialize.

For Roach Jr. (23-1-1, 9 KOs), the move to junior welterweight represents a new challenge and an opportunity to revitalize his career. At 28 years old, Roach Jr. has been a professional fighter since 2014. He steadily climbed the ranks, securing regional titles and establishing himself as a legitimate contender at lightweight. His draw against Davis, however, elevated his profile and solidified his standing in the boxing world.

The fight against Davis, held at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., was a tactical affair. Roach Jr. employed a disciplined game plan, utilizing his jab and lateral movement to keep Davis at bay. While Davis landed some powerful shots, Roach Jr. appeared to outwork him over the course of the 12 rounds. The judges’ scorecards reflected the close nature of the fight, with one judge scoring it in favor of Davis, another for Roach Jr., and the third scoring it a draw.

The aftermath of the fight was dominated by debate and speculation about a potential rematch. Roach Jr. expressed his eagerness to face Davis again, while Davis remained noncommittal. As weeks turned into months, it became increasingly apparent that a rematch was unlikely.

Meanwhile, Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz (25-2-1, 17 KOs) has been rebuilding his career following the loss to Davis. The 25-year-old Mexican fighter is known for his relentless pressure and powerful punching. He has a reputation for being one of the most exciting fighters in the junior welterweight division.

After the loss to Davis, Cruz embarked on a four-fight winning streak, culminating in a victory over Rolando Romero in March 2023 to capture the WBA junior welterweight title. The fight against Romero was a brutal affair, with both fighters absorbing significant punishment. Cruz ultimately prevailed by technical knockout in the ninth round, showcasing his power and resilience.

Cruz’s reign as WBA champion was short-lived. In his next fight, against Jose Valenzuela in August 2023, he suffered a controversial split decision loss, relinquishing his title. Many observers felt that Cruz had done enough to win the fight, but the judges saw it differently.

Undeterred, Cruz bounced back with two consecutive victories, including a win over Giovanni Cabrera in July 2023. That victory earned him the interim WBC junior welterweight title, setting the stage for the showdown with Roach Jr.

The Roach Jr. vs. Cruz fight is a significant event in the junior welterweight division. The winner will be in a strong position to challenge Subriel Matias, the full WBC champion. Matias (20-1, 20 KOs) won the vacant title in February 2023 with a fifth-round stoppage of Jeremias Ponce. In his first title defense, Matias secured a majority decision over Alberto Puello in June, further solidifying his status as a formidable force in the division.

Matias, a Puerto Rican native, is known for his aggressive, come-forward style and devastating punching power. All of his victories have come by way of knockout, making him one of the most feared punchers in the sport. A potential clash between Matias and the winner of Roach Jr. vs. Cruz would be a highly anticipated matchup.

The junior welterweight division is currently one of the most competitive in boxing. In addition to Matias, Roach Jr., and Cruz, the division also includes fighters such as Regis Prograis, Teofimo Lopez, and Jose Ramirez. These fighters are all vying for titles and recognition, making the division a hotbed of activity.

Roach Jr.’s decision to move up to junior welterweight adds another layer of intrigue to the division. His skills and experience make him a legitimate contender, and his fight against Cruz is sure to be a thrilling affair.

The Roach Jr. vs. Cruz fight is scheduled to take place on December 6, with the venue and broadcast details to be announced at a later date. The fight is expected to generate significant interest from boxing fans, as it features two exciting fighters with contrasting styles. Roach Jr.’s technical skills and boxing IQ will be tested against Cruz’s relentless pressure and power.

The outcome of the fight will have significant implications for the junior welterweight division. The winner will be in line for a title shot against Matias, and will also establish themselves as a major player in the division. Roach Jr. is betting that his skills will allow him to win the Interim WBC title.