In the dynamic world of boxing, key questions are emerging about the future of its top stars and potential blockbuster matchups. Gervonta `Tank` Davis, a dominant 30-year-old fighter, has hinted at retirement, raising speculation about his career path beyond his upcoming exhibition bout with Jake Paul on November 14. Meanwhile, Lamont Roach Jr., fresh off a contentious draw with Davis, is eyeing a fight against Isaac `Pitbull` Cruz instead of a rematch. The boxing community is also abuzz about a potential clash between WBO junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez Jr. and WBC lightweight champ Shakur Stevenson, who have verbally agreed to a fight.
Undisputed super middleweight champion Terence Crawford, following his victory over Canelo Alvarez, faces crucial decisions regarding his weight class and pursuit of a sixth divisional title. Additionally, the highly anticipated WBO welterweight title defense by Brian Norman Jr. against Devin Haney on November 22 in Riyadh sparks debate: will this electrifying matchup end in a knockout? ESPN`s combat sports reporter, Andreas Hale, addresses these intriguing scenarios, distinguishing between what`s likely and what`s merely speculation in the boxing landscape.
Gervonta Davis` Future: Retirement or More Fights?
Not real. Andreas Hale believes it`s unlikely Gervonta `Tank` Davis will continue fighting after his bout with Jake Paul. Davis has consistently expressed a lack of interest in the sport beyond financial incentives, often hinting at early retirement. He famously stated, “After next year, I`m out of this… out of the sport,” before his draw with Roach. His choice to face Jake Paul in an exhibition, rather than a rematch with Roach, underscores his focus on significant paydays. This lucrative exhibition could provide Davis with enough financial security to retire or at least take an extended break.
Consequently, eagerly anticipated clashes against other top fighters like Shakur Stevenson, Devin Haney, or Teofimo Lopez might not materialize in the near future. While a high-profile fight, perhaps against Manny Pacquiao in 2026, could potentially lure him back, Hale currently sees little motivation for Davis to extend his career beyond the Paul fight.
Teofimo Lopez Jr. vs. Shakur Stevenson: Is the Superfight Happening?
Real. The highly anticipated bout between Teofimo Lopez Jr. and Shakur Stevenson is indeed a `real` possibility. Despite a previous fight between Lopez and Haney falling through, assertions that Lopez evades tough opponents are largely unfounded. He proved doubters wrong by defeating Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020 and Josh Taylor in 2023. Stevenson, on his part, has long sought a high-caliber opponent.
This matchup has been brewing, with both fighters seemingly agreeing to it during the Canelo-Crawford post-fight press conference. Lopez confirmed to ESPN his intention to face Stevenson in early 2026. The stakes are high for both athletes; the victor will not only ascend the pound-for-pound rankings but also gain significant mainstream appeal. Both Lopez and Stevenson are eager to prove their mettle, setting the stage for one of 2026`s premier boxing events.
Terence Crawford`s Next Move: A Middleweight Quest?
Real… if he fights again. Terence Crawford`s next fight is likely to be at 160 pounds, should he decide to fight again. Following his historic victory over Canelo Alvarez, which established him as the first male fighter to be undisputed champion in three weight classes during the four-belt era, many wonder what`s next. While calls for him to move to light heavyweight to challenge champions like David Benavidez or Dmitry Bivol exist, `Bud` has acknowledged his physical limits and ruled out further ascent. His move to super middleweight was specifically to challenge what he perceived as a smaller 168-pound Canelo. Having achieved that, his super middleweight objectives appear fulfilled.
A return to 154 pounds might be challenging, but the middleweight division (160 pounds) remains an unexplored frontier for a potential sixth divisional title. While current middleweight champions – Carlos Adames (WBC), Erislandy Lara (WBA), and Janibek Alimkhanuly (WBO & IBF) – may lack superstar status, Crawford`s history includes taking on high-risk, low-reward opponents like Israil Madrimov before the Canelo bout. His motivation lies in world titles and legacy enhancement. Given his infrequent fight schedule, a more prominent opponent or an undisputed middleweight champion might emerge. Now 38, Crawford`s career is nearing its end, but any continuation would solely be driven by the pursuit of further historical achievements.
Lamont Roach Jr.`s Next Opponent: Isaac Cruz?
Real. It is `real` that Lamont Roach Jr.`s next opponent will be Isaac `Pitbull` Cruz. With an August rematch against Gervonta Davis no longer viable, Roach and his team actively sought a fight to leverage the momentum from his March draw with Davis. Although a bout with Gabriel Flores was considered, ESPN sources indicate that a matchup against Isaac `Pitbull` Cruz, another former Davis opponent, is now highly probable. Key details such as the date, location, and whether it will serve as a PBC on Prime Video pay-per-view main event are still being negotiated.
Both camps reportedly aim for the fight to occur by year-end, though limited dates and venues pose challenges. A December target is in mind, but other specifics remain unconfirmed. Should it be finalized, this fight against a recognized opponent like Cruz offers Roach valuable name recognition and promises to be an exciting contest for boxing enthusiasts.
Brian Norman Jr. vs. Devin Haney: A Knockout Finish?
Not real. Andreas Hale predicts that the Brian Norman Jr. vs. Devin Haney fight will not end by knockout. While Norman possesses formidable knockout power, evidenced by 22 KOs in 28 wins and his last three fights ending early, Haney represents a significant step up in competition. Despite a challenging bout against Ryan Garcia last year, where Haney was knocked down multiple times (though Garcia was later penalized for PED use, and the result overturned to a no-contest), Haney demonstrated resilience by finishing the fight.
His more recent, less engaging performance against Jose Ramirez might lead some to question his form, but Haney remains a highly skilled, technically proficient boxer known for his sharp jab, strong defense, and excellent footwork. For Norman to win, he must rely on fundamental boxing rather than solely pursuing a knockout, as an aggressive pursuit could leave him vulnerable to Haney`s superior technical ability. This eagerly anticipated contest is expected to be a strategic `chess match` with both fighters exercising caution, making a decision by the judges the most probable outcome.
