Even with a different opponent , Gervonta Davis’ path to true superstardom is not easy

As Gervonta Davis heads into his title fight against Hugo Ruiz, one has to wonder if the last-minute change to the Showtime main event will have any lasting effects on the young fighter. While he has impressed so far, Davis has a true challenge on his hands.

Davis’ (20-0) original opponent, Abner Mares, had to back out of the fight at the last possible second due to injury. Ruiz (39-4) is as different of a fighter compared to any you may know about, which is ultimately what can deter several boxing fans from rooting for Davis. As the young guard, however, anything to him is worth fighting for.

“I was just watching Hugo Ruiz as I came in here,” Davis stated at the pre-fight press conference. “All I know is that he is fast, he has some speed. It looked like he has some power and good timing. I actually think that this is not a walk in the park, like people think. The fact that this is a late change doesn’t concern me because once I get in there, I’ll be able to make adjustments. I’m ready.”

The former WBC Super Bantamweight and WBA Interim Bantamweight Champion, Ruiz (39-4) has won three in a row heading into this fight. With 33 wins via KO, Ruiz’s power can strike fear into the mind of any normal man. Davis is no ordinary man, though.

The contest between two 129-pound fighters may very well steal the show, without even trying. For Ruiz, he has basically been training for this contest for months, even if he didn’t realize it at first.

“I had a fight in November where I was training for a lefty,” Ruiz stated. “I then had another fight in January where I was preparing for a lefty. They changed my opponent last minute but I was still ready to go. I’ve been preparing for a lefty for five months and I think that’s a huge advantage for me.”

Ruiz owns 18 first round knockouts. Davis has seven, something to look out for if you care about those type of numbers. Preparing for a power-puncher can be hard, one that Davis is seemingly excited for.

Boxing is always an unpredictable sport. What will happen when the young gun steps into the ring with someone who could be his toughest opponent to date? Expect fireworks, and maybe, a few surprises along the way.

Prediction: Davis via KO (round six)