When Isaac Cruz stepped in after just one month’s notice to face Gerfonta “Tank” Davis, many fans and media outlets felt Davis would face a much tougher test than his original match with Rolando Romero. It’s hard to imagine that was wrong after Cruz was able to give Davis nearly everything he could handle for 12 rounds at Staples Center in Los Angeles before Davis managed a narrow, unanimous victory.

Davis managed to get many of his signature power shots in a rare role as the tallest man in the fight, but even with his heavy hook and top cover landing, Cruz never seemed to get hurt. This may have been the result of Davis sustaining a hand injury midway through the fight.

“I cut my left hand probably in round six but I had to throw it,” Davis said after the match. “I have to go check it out. It’s shaky but what it is, that’s what comes in sports.”

Since the opening bell, Cruz has fought like he almost always does: making his way forward to close the distance and prevent his opponent from feeling comfortable. A traditionally slow player, Davis made the necessary adjustments to Cruz’s style starting in the third round, dialing uppercase letters and using movement to prevent Cruz from entering.

As the innings continued, whether it was a product of Cruz’s chin or Davis’ hand or both, it was clear Cruz wasn’t going anywhere and began to shift the momentum of the fight his way, getting increasingly close to the scorecards as both men continued to deliver powerful, clean strikes. .

Davis was able to do a little better in just enough rounds for victory, including in what turned out to be the most important round of the fight, picking up Round 12, in a place likely to save him from a tie as the winner. The official scorecards read 116-112, 115-113, 115-113.

The win over victory keeps Davis in a strong position in the lightweight division. After Jorge Camposos Jr managed to upset Teofemo Lopez on November 27 to claim three of the four recognized world lightweight championships and Devin Haney defended the WBC Championship By defeating Joseph Diaz Jr. on Saturday, there are some potentially big fights on the table.

After rejecting the idea of ​​rematching Cruz with “Hell No,” Davis was asked if he’d stay at lightweight or go back to ultra-lightweight for his next fight.

“Whatever the best opportunity I have, I’m here for it, man,” Davis said before being asked who in the lightweight league would want to fight next. “They’re all easy work buddies. It’s easy work, man. Easy work. I’m the best dog.”

Cruz was only the second man to lead Davis to the hits roster in Davis’ career. The decision win ended a 16-game winning streak with Davis.

On the other hand, Cruz I did Invitation to a second match, claiming the right to win. While a rematch seems unlikely, Davis explained that Cruz’s daring efforts made an impression.

“He’s a sure warrior,” Davis said. “Although he didn’t take the win, tonight’s star was born.”

CBS Sports was with you all Sunday, so be sure to catch up on the live scores and highlights below.

Davis vs Cruz fight card, odds

• Jerfonta Davis Dave. Isaac Cruz by unanimous decision (116-112 115-113, 115-113)
• Sebastian Fundora defeated. Sergio Garcia by unanimous decision (115-113, 117-111, 118-110)
• Carlos Adames def. Sergei Derevianchenko via majority decision (95-95, 97-93, 96-94)
• Eduardo Ramirez defeated. Miguel Mariaga by unanimous decision (99-90, 99-90, 99-90)

Davis vs Cruz scorecard, live coverage