Fighters like Raymond Muratalla, Abdullah Mason, William Zepeda and Floyd Schofield represent the direction many expected from Davis, making the return to Cruz a remarkable step, even if the first fight remains the one fans remember.

The fight is being discussed in the 140-pound weight class. Their first meeting took place at lightweight in December 2021 and ended in a unanimous decision for Davis after twelve rounds.

Cruz’s pressure forced Davis (30-1, 28 KO) in a cautious fight rather than the knockout victories that marked much of his career. Davis injured his left hand early in the fight and relied heavily on movement, defense and counters with his right hand while Cruz continued to press forward and raise the volume of his throws.

The judges scored the fight 115-113, 115-113 and 116-112 for Davis. Cruz’s pressure kept the contest close and led to a physical twelve-round battle that looked different than many of Davis’ other victories.

Cruz (26-2-1, 18 KO) continued to build his record after this fight, and his victories put him near the top of the division. His aggressive style and willingness to constantly push forward made it the first fight that fans still bring up when discussing Davis’ toughest fights.

Davis most recently fought to a twelve-round draw against Lamont Roach in March 2025 and has been inactive since that fight. A second fight with Cruz would mark a return to a fight that continues to attract attention whenever we analyze Davis’ career.

A novel element is the weight class. Discussions about a rematch point to a fight at 140 pounds, rather than the lightweight limit where they first met.

Keyshawn Davis has been linked to a move up to welterweight in recent weeks, and it appears “The Businessman” will be making the jump soon, with the “championship fight” date reportedly set at 147 pounds.

Davis was stripped of his WBO lightweight title when he missed weight last June for his scheduled first defense against Edwin De Los Santos. He then moved up to super lightweight and knocked out Jamaine Ortiz in the final round of their fight on the Teofimo Lopez vs. card. Shakur Stevenson.

In the wake of that victory, the Norfolk-born superstar called for a fight against current WBO welterweight world champion Devin Haney, who originally agreed to the fight before negotiations stalled.

As a result, it looked like Davis might stay at 140 pounds, but in… interview for FightHubThe 27-year-old revealed that he has a date for a “championship fight” in preparation for his 147-pound debut.

“I definitely got a response [from the people I called out] and I definitely have a date too. I’m telling you all this now and I’ll definitely be back sooner than you all think. That’s why you saw me playing politics in the gym.

“It’s political, but I’m really staying pointed. Don’t fuck up, I’m staying astute. There’s something coming.”

“I think I’m moving up [to 147lbs]. Yes, [for a championship fight]”

Haney seemed to be close to securing a unification fight with WBA champion Rolando Romero Lewis Crocker (IBF) postponed his match with Liam Paro due to injuryand Ryan Garcia (WBC) is looking elsewhere. It’s unclear where Davis fits.

The comment came as Rolly, 30, was discussing Haney and the possibility of the two 147-pound champions meeting in the ring.

Haney responded on social media today after comments that went viral, rejecting Romero’s argument and saying that results involving other fighters do not determine the outcome of a future fight.

“Triangle theories don’t work in boxing,” Haney said on Program X. “Rolly will be strengthened by me.”

Former undisputed lightweight champion Haney then further mocked that logic by listing a string of results involving several fighters.

“Rolly was shaped by Barroso, Barroso was shaped by O’Hara Davies, Davies was shaped by Josh Taylor, Taylor was shaped by Teo, Teo was shaped by Kambosos, it all leads back to ME,” Haney said.

The exchange of words takes place as both fighters continue to discuss a possible unification fight in the welterweight division. Rolly holds the WBA title and Haney holds the WBO belt, creating the potential for a two-belt fight if negotiations are completed.

There have been discussions about rescheduling the fight between both champions for later this year, although neither side has confirmed that a deal has been finalized.

Devin will likely enter the fight as the clear favorite against Rolly (17-2, 13 KO), who moved up to welterweight after competing at a lighter weight earlier in his career.

Romero defeated Ryan Garcia via 12-round unanimous decision on May 2, 2025, which increased attention on potential welterweight fights. The fight took place in Recent York and was one of the biggest victories in Romero’s career.

He hasn’t fought since that victory, analyzing possible high-profile fights.

One issue with Romero’s schedule is his tardy mandatory defense against Shakhram Giyasov. The Uzbek contender has been a top contender for the WBA title for a long time, but a title fight has not been ordered or finalized yet.

It is unclear whether the WBA will allow Romero to directly enter a unification fight with Haney without meeting Giyasov first. Sanctioning bodies sometimes allow champions to postpone mandatory defenses before unification fights, although no decision has been announced.

Negotiations between Haney and Romero are still ongoing.