Can Andi Cruz win Salcido? WBC title on the line

Andy Cruz (4-0, 2 KOs) says he hopes his “son” Keishavn Davis, will be ringside to watch him take on Omar Salcid (20-1, 14 KOs) in a 10-round WBC lightweight title eliminator this Saturday, January 25th at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Chelsea Ballroom , in Las Vegas. Cruz-Salcido will fight live on DAZN on the Diego Pacheco vs. Stephen Nelson undercard.

Targeting Shakur

If Cruz wins this fight, he will be mandatory for the WBC Lightweight Championship Shakur Stevenson and can force a fight against him, possibly in 2026, if he doesn’t lose the belt before then. Shakur won’t be in a rush to fight Andy because he’s like a better version of himself. Cruz is defensive like Stevenson, but with the power and offensive skills it would be too much for him.

Cruz turned pro two years ago in 2023 after leaving his native Cuba and now lives in Miami, Florida. He is coached by Derek ‘Bozzie’ Ennis, who is making small changes to his fighting style to become more of a forward, attacking fighter. He seems to be trying to reshape him to be more like his son, Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis.

Father’s motivation

“Besides winning on Saturday, I want to make my son Keyshawn proud. I want him to feel proud of his dad if he’s ringside,” Andy Cruz told Matchroom Boxing of Keeshon Davis, who he has beaten four times in the amateurs, including in the 2020 Olympic gold medal final.

Andy says he wants to make Keyshawn proud of his dad if he’s ringside watching him fight Salcido. Andy has trained Kishon four times in the amateurs, and they last met in the 2020 Olympic finals.

It was uncomfortable to watch because the fight was so one-sided in Cruz’s favor. After the fight, Davis appeared to have completely lost his mind, celebrating around the ring, standing on the ropes, waving his arms and yelling. The crowd looked confused, not knowing what to think.

👀🍿 @andidiamondcruz greets you on saturday by the ring, @keishavndavis8#CruzSalcido | @DAZNBocking | #PachecoNelson pic.twitter.com/F2AG0IZ5lP

— Matchroom Booking (@MatchroomBoking) January 23, 2025