GERVONTA DAVIS will now face Isaac Cruz following Rolando Romero’s removal from their lightweight showdown.
The undefeated Romero was due to challenge Davis for the WBA (Regular) lightweight title on December 5 but was removed from the bout after a number of sexual assault allegations were made against him.
Showtime Sports chief Stephen Espinoza called the reports ‘disturbing’ but initially refrained from pulling Romero.
He told FightHype: “Obviously those are disturbing allegations, very concerning.
“At this point we’re still monitoring the situation, looking to find out all the facts.
“And until we feel like we have a firm grasp we’re not gonna comment further, but it is something we’re looking into very seriously.”
The promotion’s subsequent decision to withdraw ‘Rolly’ from the card has paved the way for Mexico’s Cruz to face Tank.
ESPN reporter Mike Coppinger first reported the news, tweeting: “Sources: Isaac Cruz has agreed to a deal to fight Gervonta Davis on Dec. 5 in Los Angeles on Showtime PPV.
“The lightweight contender from Mexico will replace Rolando Romero, who was pulled from the bout after being accused of sexual assault.”
Cruz, 23, will go into his showdown with Davis riding an 11-fight win streak that stretches back to November 2017.
Multiple women accused Romero, 24, of assault following the booking of the high-profile bout with Floyd Mayweather protege Davis.
The Henderson Police Department in Nevada recently revealed a 24-year-old woman filed a complaint against Romero, accusing him of assaulting her in his Las Vegas home in 2019.
Romero has maintained his innocence from the outset but has accepted Showtime’s decision to remove him from next month’s card.
He said: “Although the allegations against me are totally false and I will prove that through the legal system.
“I agree that it is in the best interest of everyone involved that I not participate in the upcoming pay-per-view event.”
The former WBA interim 135lb champ has vowed to make a swift return to the ring after ‘clearing his name.’
He said: “After clearing my name I will return to the ring as soon as possible.”
