Gervonta Davis' Return Edges Closer

Gervonta Davis is targeting an early fall return, with Isaac Cruz emerging as the leading candidate for a second fight between the two.

Davis has not fought since his majority draw against Lamont Roach Jr. in March 2025. The fight's outcome turned largely on a decision by referee Steve Willis not to rule a knockdown against Davis in round 9, a call that drew immediate and sustained criticism. Many observers scored the bout for Roach and viewed the draw as a result that Davis was fortunate to take.

Tank has gone more than a year without a victory and currently holds champion-in-recess status with the WBA at lightweight after being stripped due to his ongoing legal troubles after charges relating to kidnapping, battery and false imprisonment.

And yet, there are some hurdles to navigate. Floyd Schofield holds the WBA's number one ranking at lightweight and would represent the logical mandatory challenger under normal circumstances. Oscar De La Hoya made his preference for that fight, but a source closer to PBC says that Cruz is the most likely name at this stage.

“While exercising caution on the timing, PBC is aiming for the legally troubled three-division champion Davis, 30-0-1 (28 KOs), to return to the ring by the early fall. It would be the Baltimore fighter’s first bout since his WBA lightweight title fight draw at New York’s Barclays Center versus Roach, who was deprived of a knockdown (and victory) by referee Steve Willis.

“Although De La Hoya on Friday strongly proposed unbeaten and WBA top-ranked contender Floyd Schofield for a Davis bout, another official more connected to the PBC situation said Mexico’s former 140lbs champion Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz is the most likely opponent at this hour,” the source

Their first fight in December 2021 went the full twelve rounds, with Davis taking the unanimous decision but earning it the hard way. Cruz pressed forward throughout, absorbed punishment without breaking, and forced Davis into one of the more uncomfortable nights of his career. He became one of the rare fighters to go the distance with Davis, who had stopped or knocked out the majority of his previous opponents.

If Davis and Cruz move ahead, Schofield would not be left without options. One route being discussed would see him fight for a vacant WBA lightweight title against Lucas Bahdi — a fight that would keep him active and relevant while Davis pursues a different direction.