In time to come, as they turn the pages of history, for 2025, fans and pundits might use a highlighter for Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. Perhaps no other fighters in the year attracted as much discussion as the two champions did. Their March 1 bout ended most controversially. However, instead of regrouping for a match, the two fanned out in different trajectories. Tank has settled for a mismatched exhibition with Jake Paul. Lamont Roach Jr., on the other hand, decided to raise the bar and is now poised to face one of Tank’s former opponents – one of the only two who took him the distance.

The boxing world can look forward to closing the year with a big bang. On December 6, San Antonio will host a high-octane clash between Lamont Roach Jr., the super featherweight champion, and Isaac Pitbull Cruz, the light welterweight interim champion. Talks about the matchup were already doing the rounds. It’s a classic clash of styles between a technically gifted boxer and a rampaging brawler, known for pummeling his opponents.

The Reaper meets the Pitbull – no mercy, no retreat

Several outlets shared the update. A Boxing Kingdom tweet read, “🚨 FIGHT ANNOUNCED 🚨🥊 Lamont Roach Jr. vs. Isaac Pitbull Cruz ⚖️ 140 lbs. 📆 December 6th 📍 San Antonio, Texas 🇺🇸.” And the followers seem to have lapped up the news unequivocally.

For months, fans waited for an update on the rematch between Roach Jr. and Gervonta Davis. But it was to no avail. An August date appeared, only to fizzle out. Their March 1 face-off at Barclays Center came under heavy scrutiny. If Davis’s ninth-round knee and referee Steve Willis’ indecision weren’t enough, the final outcome backfired.

So to set the record straight, a rematch remained the most appropriate measure. Speaking with rapper Cam’ron, Lamont Roach Jr. shared a few details. “It’s going to be a rematch…it’s on the way… I’mma tell you right now. I’ve signed the seal, okay, so we’re waiting on the other half, that’s all,” Roach Jr. revealed.

Only that it became an eternal wait.

Guess who’s off the leash?

As far as Isaac Cruz is concerned, a seesawing 2024 saw him win the light welterweight title and then cede it months later to Jose Valenzuela. However, as the new year kicked off, he turned the tide and clinched a hard-earned victory over a resolute Angel Fierro on the David Benavidez vs. David Morrell card.

After delivering a potential Fight of the Year, Isaac Cruz returned on his promoter Manny Pacquiao’s card in July. Originally scheduled to face Fierro, he fought Omar Salcido after Fierro withdrew, citing a medical emergency. The ten-rounder ended in a unanimous win for Cruz, who secured the vacant WBC interim title.

Details about the PBC Amazon Prime undercard should be available in the coming days. With Lamont Roach Jr. and Isaac Cruz headlining it, one thing’s for sure: fans are promised a year-end cherry-on-top treat.

It’s a clash of styles. It’s a fight between two ambitious fighters, who match each other physically and perhaps temperamentally, trying to elevate their careers.

Fans should stay tuned as more details emerge.

Do you think Roach Jr.’s decision to move up a division to face Pitbull will pay off?