After another dominant bout, this time a wide decision over Omar Salcido, Andy Cruz continues to spark chatter as one of the sport’s most gifted talents. Cruz’s blend of speed, ring IQ, and slick movement seems to leave opponents swinging at air, and many are wondering the same thing: Is Andy Cruz too good for his own good? If the top names at 135 aren’t itching for a showdown, maybe that’s exactly the case.
Cruz’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, talks about pushing him toward an IBF title route, yet the path looks hazy with many top lightweights apparently uninterested in taking that risk. Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson, and even four-time amateur rival Keyshawn Davis have shown little enthusiasm for clashing with Cruz anytime soon. And based on Keyshawn’s frosty reception when Cruz tried to hug him last weekend, there’s still some bitterness from the amateurs. Perhaps Keyshawn simply doesn’t want to relive any painful memories from their prior encounters.
Despite the uncertainty over a big fight, Cruz remains unfazed. He views 2025 as a prime year for bigger challenges, staying hopeful that the sport’s politics won’t block every potential blockbuster matchup. He’s also well aware that, in pro boxing, champions can swerve dangerous opponents for years. If the likes of “Tank” or Shakur won’t bite, it may take a high-stakes offer to lure them into the ring.
For now, all Cruz can do is keep piling up wins and forcing people to talk about him. If a fighter is really the most avoided man in boxing, it’s only a matter of time before someone steps up - or is mandated - to put that reputation to the test.
Image Credit: The New York Times