Eddie Hearn sure has a funny way of showing his support. In a strange, yet entertaining banter, the boxing promoter made it very clear to Keyshawn Davis, the professional boxer about his support for Cuban boxing champion, Andy Cruz.
A candid conversation filled with banter, camaraderie, and the promise of a future showdown. It all began when Eddie Hearn, known for his sharp wit and strategic matchmaking, engaged in a lively discussion with Keyshawn Davis, a promising talent in the boxing scene.
Eddie Hearn: A champion in support
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With his trademark enthusiasm, Eddie Hearn couldn’t resist expressing his admiration for Keyshawn. Playfully warning, “Listen, listen, you know I got love for you, but OMG, make sure you never fight Andy Cruz,” the atmosphere brimmed with excitement. Keyshawn, confident in his abilities, responded casually with a “Come on now, Eddie.”
Eddie Hearn and Keyshawn Davis exchanging words on Instagram live straight after Andy Cruz's stunning stoppage win vs Jovanni Straffon: "Make sure you never fight Andy Cruz. There's levels to this game Keyshawn."
[🎥 @EddieHearn & @KeyshawnDavis8] pic.twitter.com/aA7BYcjlLG
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) December 10, 2023
The banter continued as Eddie emphasized the levels in the boxing game, asserting that Andy Cruz, a formidable opponent, was on a different tier. Keyshawn, ever defiant, countered, “Just know there are certain levels to the amateur game, in pros, there are no more levels. To be fair there are levels in the amateur game but he beat you every time.“ The verbal sparring reached its peak when Keyshawn declared, “I’m one of these ones that’s winning the fight, and you know that.”
Eddie Hearn, not one to back down, acknowledged Keyshawn’s skills but confidently predicted an Andy Cruz victory. Earlier this year, he had expressed his intention to have 2020 Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz make his professional debut against Keyshawn Davis in July. Hearn, confident in Cruz’s abilities, believes the Cuban, at 27, would secure an immediate victory over the 24-year-old Davis.
Despite winning four amateur bouts against Davis, Hearn concedes that these matches were characterized by movement and single hit-and-run shots. There is a concern that hastening Cruz into a confrontation with Davis, renowned for his power, could be a misstep, given that Davis’ style may be more suitable for the professional ranks. Hearn compares Cruz’s style, characterized by light punching, to that of Devin Haney.
However, he points out Cruz’s tendency to throw a single shot and then retreat, drawing a parallel between his approach and that of a fencer rather than a traditional boxer. Significantly, Hearn raises questions about why Top Rank did not secure Cruz if he indeed possesses the exceptional talent that Hearn believes in.
Victory for Andy Cruz; Davis Faces Suspension
Elite lightweight prospect Andy Cruz showcased his dominance in his second professional fight on the Regis Prograis-Devin Haney undercard at Chase Center. Cruz sought an impressive stoppage and delivered just that against late replacement Jovanni Straffon.
The referee, Edward Collantes, intervened in the third round, halting Cruz’s brutal assault after only 53 seconds. Despite being on his feet, Straffon had absorbed significant punishment. Cruz’s victory marked a stark contrast to his pro debut, where he went the full 10 rounds against Juan Carlos Burgos.
Following a positive marijuana test, the Texas commission has imposed a 90-day suspension on Lightweight boxing prospect Keyshawn Davis. They have retroactively changed his majority-decision victory over Nahir Albright on Oct. 14 to a no-decision. The 24-year-old Olympic silver medalist will regain eligibility to compete in mid-January. Despite the initial scheduling of a bout between Davis and former champion Jose Pedraza on Dec. 9, the fight has been postponed, and Top Rank intends to reschedule the matchup for early 2024.
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This verbal jousting session wasn’t just about friendly banter; it laid the foundation for a potential blockbuster bout. The simplicity of the conversation showcased the essence of the sport—raw, unfiltered, and filled with passion. Keyshawn’s determination and Eddie’s confidence created a narrative that transcended the usual pre-fight hype.
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