Lamont Roach Promises Convincing Victory Over Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz
Lamont Roach is gearing up for a pivotal showdown against WBC interim light welterweight champion Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, set to take place on December 6th, streaming live on Amazon Prime Video PPV. Roach, known for his strategic and technical boxing style, is not just confident but adamant that he will defeat Cruz convincingly, even predicting a knockout. Despite his career KO rate of 40%, Lamont has never been a prolific puncher, and at 30, the physical demands of the fight will be significant. However, his determination and preparation are evident as he looks to make a strong statement in this high-stakes matchup.
Haunted by the Past: The Ghost of Tank Davis
With just three days until the fight, Roach’s mind seems to be more preoccupied with his past than the present. In recent interviews, he has frequently revisited his bout with Gervonta Davis, a fight that still haunts him. Roach can’t help but dwell on what might have been, comparing his performance and the missed opportunities. This fixation on the Davis fight is reminiscent of a fisherman reliving the memory of a big fish that got away. It’s clear that Roach hasn’t fully processed the outcome, and this lingering regret could prove detrimental if it distracts him during his upcoming battle against Cruz. It’s crucial for Roach to stay focused and present, not allowing past regrets to cloud his judgment and strategy.
The Shakur Stevenson Fantasy
Roach’s ambitions extend beyond the Cruz fight, as he envisions a future match against Shakur Stevenson, particularly after Stevenson’s highly anticipated bout with Teofimo Lopez. Roach believes this fight would be the most significant at 135 pounds. However, this scenario seems more like a fantasy booking. Both Roach and Stevenson are defensive fighters, and their styles might not make for an engaging or exciting matchup. The more interesting fights for Stevenson could be against fighters like Abdullah Mason or Floyd Schofield, who would provide a more dynamic and competitive challenge.
The Pitbull Isn’t Hector Garcia
If Roach plans to slug it out with Cruz as he did with Hector Luis Garcia, he may be in for a tough night. Roach’s performance against Garcia was a close call, with a razor-thin decision that was heavily influenced by a controversial rabbit punch knockdown in the 12th round. Without that knockdown, Roach might have lost the fight. Similarly, his loss to Jamel Herring in 2019 highlighted his limitations as a fighter. These past performances underscore the importance of Roach not underestimating Cruz and sticking to his strategic game plan. Slugging it out with a fighter known for his toughness and resilience could lead to an unfavorable outcome.
Moving Up to Light Welterweight
Roach’s decision to move up to the light welterweight division is a strategic one. He believes that 140 pounds is a more suitable weight for him, stating, “140 isn’t too far out of reach. Pitbull Cruz is an interim world champion. Once I beat him, I’ll be in line for the 140-lb champion.” This move could provide Roach with the physical and tactical advantages needed to succeed at a higher weight class. However, it also means he will be facing a new set of challenges and stronger opponents. Roach’s ability to adapt and perform at this weight will be crucial to his long-term success in the division.
Unfinished Business: The Davis Rematch
When asked if he’s done with the lightweight division, Roach emphatically stated, “I’ve got unfinished business.” It’s evident that he is still harboring hopes of a rematch with Gervonta Davis. However, the likelihood of this happening is slim. Davis can make more lucrative matches with other fighters in the lightweight division, and facing Roach again would not be a priority for him. Roach’s best bet is to focus on his current opponent, Cruz, and secure a decisive victory to build momentum and open up new opportunities in his career.
Lamont Roach’s upcoming fight against Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz is a critical moment in his career. While his ambitions and confidence are commendable, it’s essential that he remains focused and grounded. By learning from past experiences and staying present, Roach has the potential to achieve the convincing victory he envisions.
