The boxing world is abuzz again, particularly around the lightweight and the light welterweight divisions. Though it remains unconfirmed, if it does turn out correct, then fans could be in for a great delight watching their icon, Gervonta Davis, step into the ring for the second time in the year. Something he hasn’t done since 2021. But the excitement isn’t limited to ‘Tank’ alone. After delivering one of the most sensational fights of the year, Isaac Cruz and Jose Valenzuela could be gearing up for a highly anticipated rematch, reigniting the rivalry they left unresolved early in August.

Fans have reason to rejoice, but they could approach the news with cautious optimism. Over a year after his emphatic win over Ryan Garcia, Gervonta Davis returned on June 15 to defend his title from Frank Martin. On the other hand, ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, who secured his first world title after dislodging Rolando Romero on the inaugural PBC-Amazon Prime card, had to forfeit the WBA belt to Jose Valenzuela four months later.

Excitement peaks with potential year-end showdowns

Fernando Barbosa shared a tweet with fans. It read that Gervonta Davis might fight again on November 2. However, the opponent is yet to be confirmed, it seems. Then there was news about the two newly crowned champions, the WBA super featherweight title holder Lamont Roach Jr. and the light welterweight champion Jose Valenzuela.

But the news update further added that Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz may also be lined up for a third fight this year. It might happen on the same date when ‘Tank’ Davis fights, i.e., November 2, or on PBC-Prime’s next fixture scheduled for December. So ESPN’s boxing analyst suggested there were chances of the much-needed rematch between Cruz and Valenzuela.

Lamont Roach Jr. became a champion last year after he defeated Hector Luis Garcia. He defended his title on June 28 with an eighth technical knockout victory over Feargal McCrory. ‘EL Rayo’ defeated Isaac Cruz commendably. However, the split decision victory left doubts, fueling demands for a rematch. Subsequently, reports of Cruz considering invoking his rematch clause also emerged.

With such an exciting array of potential matchups before the year ends, fans have every reason to be thrilled. However, the most sought-after return remains that of Gervonta Davis, arguably the face of modern boxing.

All eyes on Gervonta Davis

Much of the curiosity, though, remains over who Gervonta Davis might be going against. The hunt for an opponent has traversed a few pitstops since the Frank Martin bout. Soon after his first title defense as a full WBA champion, news emerged that talks of a fight with Vasyl Lomachenko had been going on. It was undoubtedly a blockbuster matchup in every sense. But sadly, it came to no avail. Citing personal reasons, ‘Loma’ refused to proceed with the negotiations further, thus disappointing many fans.

Then a parallel narrative of a long-awaited title unification showdown with long-time rival Shakur Stevenson emerged. But to what end? After the initial hype, reports came that Stevenson would be fighting in Saudi Arabia on the Artur Beterbiev–Dmitry Bivol card. On October 12, he will face Joe Cordina for a title defense.

So that leaves a big question. Who will face ‘Tank Davis next? The only remaining lightweight champion, Denys Berinchyk, doesn’t seem to be a big enough draw for ‘Tank’. Hence, the only plausible option remains William Zepeda. Though not a champion, the heavy-hitting Mexican has made a name for himself as a KO artist and stands atop the rank list of all four sanctioning bodies.

Who, in your view, could be the ideal matchup against Gervonta Davis? Or do you feel a Davis-Pitbull Cruz rematch could be equally exciting?