Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz is set to defend his interim WBC super lightweight title for the first time this Saturday night. He will take on Nestor Bravo, a Puerto Rican contender with just one loss, in a 12-round headliner. The event’s co-main feature will showcase a second interim WBC title bout between Jesus Ramos Jr. and Meiirim Nursultanov.
Here’s what you need to know about the Cruz vs. Bravo fight night.
When and where is Isaac Cruz vs. Nestor Bravo, and how can you watch it?
The matchup is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California. The televised card, consisting of four fights, starts at 8 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on DAZN.
What time are the fighters expected to enter the ring?
Both Cruz and Bravo are anticipated to make their ring walks around 11 p.m. ET, though this time could shift depending on how the evening progresses.
What’s on the line in this fight?
Cruz, who holds a record of 28-3-2 with 18 knockouts, is defending his interim WBC super lightweight title for the second time after winning it with a unanimous decision over Omar Salcido last July. His last bout ended in a disputed draw against Lamont Roach in December. Notably, Cruz has recently started working with famed trainer Eddy Reynoso, well known for coaching Saul “Canelo” Alvarez; this will be their first fight together. Bravo, standing at 24-1 with 17 knockouts, comes in following a powerful second-round knockout of Pedro Campa earlier this year and is stepping onto the biggest platform of his career.
Who is favored to win?
Cruz enters as the strong favorite in the betting lines at -750, while Bravo is considered the underdog at +470.
What other fights are on the card?
Alongside the main event, interim WBC middleweight champion Jesus Ramos Jr. (24-1, 19 KOs) is defending his title against unbeaten challenger Meiirim Nursultanov (20-0, 11 KOs). Ramos won the belt last December with a unanimous decision over Shane Mosley Jr., while Nursultanov aims for his first world title in his flawless professional career. The card also features rising super middleweight Daniel Blancas versus Sergio Jimenez and a bout between undefeated prospects Marco Verde and Guillermo Hernandez.
Complete main televised card (8 p.m. ET, DAZN):
- Interim WBC super lightweight title: Isaac Cruz (-750) vs. Nestor Bravo (+470)
- Interim WBC middleweight title: Jesus Ramos Jr. (-650) vs. Meiirim Nursultanov (+420)
- Super middleweight: Daniel Blancas (-2400) vs. Sergio Jimenez (+810)
- Middleweight: Marco Verde vs. Guillermo Hernandez
Non-televised undercard:
- Middleweight: Eumir Marcial vs. Omar Ulises Huerta
- Super middleweight: Lazaro Francisco Lorenzana vs. Marcos Vazquez Rodriguez
- Lightweight: Robert Guerrero Jr. vs. Shawn Rall
- Heavyweight: Valerii Tadtaev vs. Juan Silva
- Super lightweight: Diego Luna vs. Renny Viamonte Mastrapa
Fan Take:
This fight card is a must-watch for fight fans because Isaac Cruz’s partnership with top trainer Eddy Reynoso could elevate his career to new heights, signaling a major shift in the super lightweight division. Additionally, the presence of promising contenders like Bravo and Nursultanov hints at an exciting future filled with emerging talent, keeping the sport vibrant and competitive.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
