“The match between Jervonta’s ex-rivals, which should present beauty”, — write: sport.ua
Why is this a good matchup right now? We find out.
Roach and Cruz are Gervonta’s rivals. Both gave him tough fights, but they ended in different ways
The main story that gives us something in common between these guys is that both faced WBA Lightweight Champion Gervonta Davis.
Cruz was the first. In 2021, they crossed paths at the Staples Center ring in Los Angeles. Little Isaac became a problem for Gervonta. Davis injured his hand in that match and had a lot of problems with the opponent, who did not want to miss tangible blows.
The Mexican did not go down, as Davis’ previous opposition had done. And in general, he did not look hopeless or bad. He constantly pressed the opponent, overlapped with a high block and did not let him rest. Gervonta won the victory, but without special beauty. And it was then that the question of rematch became relevant.
Getty Images/Global Images Ukraine. Isaac Crews as Lamont Roach The second was Lamont Roach. He and Davis crossed paths in the ring in 2025 – in the spring. It was a very, very strange match. Gervonta always complained about his opponent. There was no way he could hit it. Couldn’t come up with anything in the clinch. He was also supposed to get a knockdown, but the referee was either confused or did not want to make such a decision and did not count 8 seconds of rest for the American.
As a result, Gervonta did not lose on the notes, but he did not win either. The draw spoiled a perfect record and Davis was unhappy. But in vain, because with a knockdown he would definitely lose. And another big question is whether he didn’t lose it anyway, without a knockdown.
Now they meet. Lamont Roach has a belt, but in an even lower than lightweight division. For Jervonta, he was moving up to lightweight. Now – to the first semi-secondary. However, the dimensions make it possible – the guy is big.
Lamont himself positions this meeting as a Crawford vs. Canelo fight where the smaller guy beat the bigger guy. However, Roach is no less than a rival. It’s just that Cruz is tough and has risen to a category where everyone is bigger than him.
Getty Images/Global Images Ukraine. Lamont Roach In addition, it cannot be said that Isaac in this weight is a temporary character. Cruz has been boxing here for quite some time and has met good opponents. The same Jose Valenzuela who defeated the Mexican by a split decision. Or Angel Fierro and Omar Gámez, who couldn’t handle Cruz.
In this regard, Isaac has an advantage. Yes, he is shorter and has shorter arms. However, this is a tough guy with experience in this category. He does not care about kilograms. And he is definitely not intimidated by the size of his opponents – because each of them is always taller.
Interestingly, both can offer each other something new. At least, within the limits of the relatively recent meetings. Both technically and tactically, the guys are so different that an interesting meeting cannot happen here. Unless both get stuck in clinches.
Who is the favorite?
Bookmakers do not really believe in Isaac Kruse. You can bet on his victory with a coefficient of 2.70. You can bet on the victory of Lamont Roach with a coefficient of 1.25.
Why so?
The logic behind Lamont Roach’s favoritism is clear. He has trivially more skills than his opponent. The American is good at long range. Works well in straight lines, works well from defense in the middle.
Roach is a smart boxer. He understands where to press and where to go to work as number two. At the same time, none of Gervonta Davis’ hits broke him, and Cruz definitely does not hit harder than his opponent.
Why should Isaac Cruz win?
Getty Images/Global Images Ukraine. Isaac Cruz We discussed some of the reasons above. He is diligent and has experience in performing in this category. Physically strong. You can say that he is very physically strong. Well, it is very difficult to break through his block. Gervonta took aim, pulled him towards him, hit him in the face – nothing helped.
Isaac holds the punch really well. Hitting a non-knockout Roach is unlikely to break or scare him. And without such counteraction, Cruz can press even more actively and more.
That is, yes, the chances are not zero. They are by no means zero. With pace, activity and constant pressing, Isaac can make the opponent make mistakes. And the more it is, the higher his chances of winning.
However, such tactics should always be considered as a complex of actions – taking into account, among other things, what the opponent will do. And are Roach’s theoretical skills enough to deal with such a pattern of combat? Exactly, 100% yes!
That is why this pair is one of the best this year. It is unlikely to be a fight or some very bright show that can be recommended to anyone. However, if you like boxing, this confrontation is a must-see.