Andy Cruz Flirts With Danger on the Road to a Keyshawn Davis Showdown

Away from Tank and his upcoming rematch with Lamont Roach Jr., an interesting storyline appears to be brewing in the 135 pounds. It’s been some time; fans have been clamoring for a showdown between Andy Cruz and Keyshawn Davis. Their rivalry peaked at the Tokyo Olympics when Cruz defeated Davis and clinched the gold. It was high time the duo competed in the professional arena.

But Davis, now a lightweight champion, may have other plans, which include a big fight with Gervonta Davis. So what are Andy Cruz’s options? One alternative remains: call out another titleholder or a rising star. To that end, Cruz called out Abdullah Mason, whose dazzling knockouts have earned him a significant fanbase. The Ohio-born southpaw, who incidentally fought on the Keyshawn Davis-Denys Berinchyk undercard last month, will return this Saturday to face Carlos Ornelas on the Richard Torres-Guido Vianello headlined Top Rank show at Palms Casino Resort. Will Mason take notice?

Andy Cruz: Let’s see what you’ve got, Mason!

Tagging Abdullah Mason, Andy Cruz wrote, “The Abdullah Mason fight is easy to make; tell him to sign it; he’s been offered it @abdullahmason_👊🏿.” The tweet follows a discussion where users mooted a potential showdown between Cruz and Keyshawn Davis.

The Cuban fighter, who has accumulated only 5 professional fights, had earlier spoken about an offer extended to Edwin De Los Santos, who, otherwise, has been eyeing a fight with Keyshawn Davis. Cruz last fought on the Diego Pacheco-Steven Nelson undercard at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas on January 25 and defended his regional titles.

It’s too early to predict how fights in the lower tiers will impact 135 pounds’ top echelons. However, considering a clash between two contrasting styles, a fight between Andy Cruz and Abdullah Mason nevertheless makes for an exciting showdown. On one hand, you have a classic representative of the Cuban boxing style. Then, facing him will be an American slickster with a proven capability to stop a fight early in the rounds.

What’s in store for Cruz and Mason?

But there’s a large question. Is Cruz biting off more than he can chew? Day-after tomorrow, Abdullah Mason will turn 21. Projected to win the ten-round battle, his stakes will rise further. Currently ranking #7 in WBC and #8 in WBO, Mason’s overall standing is poised to improve.

A fight with a number 1 contender like Cruz benefits Mason as well. A few may cite the standard critique – the absence of a prominent name in Mason’s resume. But one should remember that, at such a young age, fighting 3-4 times every year, the Ohioan has built a formidable resume. Such a tremendous output and maintaining an unbeaten streak are a daunting challenge. Hence, the youngster should be commended instead of being critiqued.

For Cruz, an exceptionally gifted craftsman, defeating a KO artist makes for a compelling argument that he can take on the likes of Raymond Muratalla, William Zepeda, and Floyd Schofield before stepping up to challenge the champions. But as most fans understand, by calling out a young tiger like Abdullah Mason, Andy Cruz is walking on a tightrope. As the age-old Chinese proverb goes, “Getting what you wish for may not necessarily be a blessing.”

What’s your take? Is the Cruz-Mason matchup good for the lightweight division?