By Daniele D’Alessio: In a recent interview with Fight Hype, former WBA super featherweight champion Leo Santa Cruz (37-2-1, 19 KOs) is keen to return to the ring after getting knocked out by Gervonta “Tank” Davis (26-0, 24 KOs).
“You know about the loss against Gervonta, and I said you know I was a little depressed, trying to think about what I’m going to do after the loss, and I said I was upset, but then the fans gave me motivation.
“They told me I was doing a great fight and to keep my head up, and I started training. I wanted to get back in the ring as soon as possible. But my team told me to recover, and after a year, I wanted to get back in the ring; I already missed it.
“I started getting ready since September, I was looking forward to coming back in November or December, but it didn’t happen. Now that I’m coming back on February 5th, I’m very happy, excited to go out there and give the fans an exciting fight.”
Cruz fought Davis back in October 2020 in what was an extremely competitive fight before Tank landed a phenomenal left uppercut that knocked the Mexican out cold.
Once again, Davis displayed why pound-for-pound; he is one of the biggest punchers in boxing and became the first man to knock Cruz out as a professional.
Despite such a devastating defeat, Cruz is scheduled to make his comeback against featherweight contender Keenan Carbajal (23-2-1, 15 KOs) at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.
The American is on an impressive winning streak and will provide a sturdy test for the returning Cruz.
Can Cruz get the victory and put in a masterful performance? Or will he suffer a second consecutive loss in a row?
At the age of 33, Cruz may be past his best. However, a spectacular showing could throw him back into the mix to fight for a world title again. Or gain him a lucrative rematch with Davis late in 2022.
Not to mention, a loss could indicate that it is time for him to hang up his gloves and retire.
The Mexican has proven in the past that he is a world-class fighter; it is up to him to prove he still has the same tenacity, speed, and work rate.
