Avila Perspective, Chap. 163 — Lightweights: Is ‘Tank’ the One?

Is Gervonta “Tank” Davis the best of the best in the lightweight division?

Boxing’s lightweight division reigns supreme once again this weekend. But of all the lightweights roaming the boxing landscape, is Davis the one?

This weekend we find out more as Devin Haney defends the WBC title against former super featherweight world champion Jojo Diaz on Saturday in Las Vegas. The next day Gervonta “Tank” Davis defends the WBA against Isaac Cruz in Los Angeles.

Last week, we saw unified lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez get toppled by Australia’s George Kambosos in New York. And we have yet to see explosive Ryan Garcia of Southern California back in the ring.

Will any of these lightweights reach the same plateau as Roberto “Hands of Stone” Duran, considered by many the greatest lightweight of all time?

When Panama’s Duran dominated the lightweights in the 1970s, he was a force of pure fury and skill seldom seen before. But truthfully, lightweights over boxing’s lengthy history have brought many of the greatest fighters to the forefront such as Benny Leonard, Henry Armstrong, Ike Williams, and perhaps the greatest of all Sam Langford.

Every generation or so a group of high-octane lightweights arrive simultaneously as if planned by the big matchmaker in the sky. In the mid-90s it was Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosley, Pernell Whitaker, and Miguel Angel Gonzalez. Today we have a similar situation.

We are witnessing another massive explosion of 135-pound lightning once again. Who will emerge the next great lightweight?

Of all the lightweights roaming the battleground it’s the smallest in terms of height that seems to be the quietest and most dangerous.

Tank Goes West

Tank Davis (25-0, 24 KOs) brings his lethal hands to the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Dec. 5, where he will defend the WBA lightweight world title against Mexico’s Isaac Cruz (22-1-1, 15 KOs). Showtime pay-per-view will televise the Mayweather Promotions fight card.

Davis was brought to the West Coast to further embellish his reputation as a crowd-pleasing attraction. In the East Coast fans flooded the arenas to watch his explosive brand of fighting.

“Why not bring him to Los Angeles,” said Leonard Ellerbe, spokesman for Mayweather Promotions. “It’s a great opportunity for fans in L.A. to see what Tank is all about.”

Only one foe has been able to hear the final bell and that was seven years ago when he fought a tough Mexican fighter named German Meraz, who had already fought eight world champions when he met Davis in the prize ring. That experience helped Meraz survive.

The explosive Davis was expected to meet Rollie Romero, another explosive fighter. But the law intervened and the Las Vegas bomber will have to clear up matters legally before he can enter the prize ring. Enter Cruz, another bomber.

“That’s just the sport of boxing. You have to be ready for anything. I always know that I have to adapt to whatever comes my way,” said Davis, 27.

A short search brought Mexico’s Isaac Cruz, a no-neck fighter similar to Davis physically, but not when it comes to technique. But as any boxing purist can tell you, anything can happen between the ropes when the bell rings. It’s a fight.

“I’m here to do my job to win the fight, and whether it’s by decision or knockout I’m going to try to win no matter what,” said Cruz. “I am going to show everybody that Isaac Cruz is a true Mexican warrior and I’m going to show them what I’m worth with every punch I throw.”

Strange things can happen when two fighters looking to knock each other’s block off start swinging. You can duck when you’re supposed to block and a single mistake can send you to dizzyland. Even the best get caught.

“Everyone says he’s going to come forward, but that’s easier said than done. If he does, we’ll give the fans an exciting fight,” said Davis with 16 consecutive knockouts.

Don’t expect anything but a knockout.

Haney and Diaz

By Sunday the winner between Devin Haney and Jojo Diaz will have been decided.

Haney (26-0, 15 KOs), a Las Vegas resident, has most of the advantages going into this lightweight title defense against Diaz (32-1-1, 15 KOs) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Local fighters usually get the benefit of the judges. DAZN will stream the Matchroom Boxing fight card.

Even without the hometown advantage Haney has size and reach assets and can fight inside or out. That’s a major plus.

“JoJo is a good fighter, he’s going to come to fight, we know that. He’s going to bring his best, I’m bringing mine. So, the best man will win – and that will be me,” said Haney. “You can talk about size and heart, but I just feel that I am a better fighter than him and skills pay the bills.”

Diaz, a southpaw, has always been able to surprise opponents with his toughness and fighting skills. Nobody expected him to make the USA Olympic team in 2012, nor did many predict a win over tough Tevin Farmer. Along the way he defeated reigning featherweight champion Jesus Rojas (but came in overweight and wasn’t allowed to keep the belt) and won a world title in the super featherweight division.

“I’m a 2012 Olympian, I’ve been a world champion, and I’ve paid my dues to get here,” said Diaz. “I’m here for a reason and from my hard work. And that’s going to be the difference.”

It should be a real dog fight.

By the end of this two-weekend run, six elite lightweights will have engaged to determine the best of the best. Whoever emerges victorious could eventually meet one of the winners, but that’s more farfetched. Promoters, networks and maybe a fighter could get in the way and scuttle future matchups.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Fights to Watch

Sat. DAZN 5 p.m. Devin Haney (26-0) vs Jojo Diaz (32-1-1).

Sun. Showtime pay-per-view 5 p.m. Gervonta Davis (25-0) vs Isaac Cruz (22-1-1); Sebastian Fundora (17-0-1) vs Sergio Garcia (33-0); Sergiy Derevyanchenko (13-3) vs Carlos Adames (20-1); Eduardo Ramirez (25-2-3) vs Miguel Marriaga (30-4).

Photo credits: Davis, Cruz (Al Applerose); Haney, Hearn, Diaz (Ed Mulholland/Matchroom)

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