Isaac Cruz (28-3-2, 18 KOs) quickly made his mark in North American boxing. Known as “Pitbull” for his aggressive style, the 28-year-old excites fans wherever he competes—whether in Mexico City, Southern California, Las Vegas, or Texas. His presence consistently ignites Pitbull-mania among supporters.
This Saturday, Cruz returns to the ring to defend his interim WBC super lightweight title against Nestor Bravo (24-1, 17 KOs) at San Diego’s Pechanga Arena, streamed on DAZN. However, Cruz’s ambitions extend beyond North America; he is eager to take his talent global.
“Why not face Dalton Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) in England?” Cruz recently told Uncrowned. Smith, the WBC’s full super lightweight champion, claimed the title with a fifth-round TKO over Subriel Matias in January and will defend it against Alberto Puello in October at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena. Though Cruz is focused on Bravo now, he believes beating him will pave the way to challenge the winner of Smith vs. Puello.
“It would be incredible to fight in front of passionate English crowds, achieve the unthinkable by winning the belt there, and bring it back home,” Cruz said.
Heading into his upcoming fight, Cruz faces a size disadvantage. Bravo stands 5-foot-9, giving him a five-inch height edge, and has fought exclusively at super lightweight, while Cruz has only recently moved up from lightweight. Bravo enters the matchup with momentum after a devastating left hook knocked out Pedro Campa in the second round this January, putting him on the boxing map. Despite these factors, Bravo is regarded as the underdog but remains confident, promising to confront Cruz head-on, noting they share an aggressive fighting style.
After a split decision loss to Jose Valenzuela in 2024, Cruz rebounded with a Fight of the Year candidate win over Angel Fierro in 2025 and defeated Omar Salcido, but closed that year with a majority draw against Lamont Roach. Seeking growth, Cruz turned to Eddy Reynoso, the esteemed trainer known for guiding Canelo Alvarez’s rise, as well as working with Oscar Valdez, Ryan Garcia, Andy Ruiz, and even Teofimo Lopez—a potential future opponent for Cruz.
Cruz praised Reynoso’s expertise, saying, “I wanted to work with Eddy because of his experience and incredible track record with Canelo. His skill in understanding fighters mentally and technically has helped him reach the pinnacle of the sport.”
Reynoso’s training philosophy emphasizes discipline, responsibility, and perseverance, focusing on footwork inspired by legends like Willie Pep and Sugar Ray Robinson, along with mastering distance through coordinated movement and full-body defensive techniques.
When asked whether Reynoso would try to tone down Cruz’s relentless style, Cruz replied, “I know my limits and this partnership helps me expand and adapt. I’ll always be the same aggressive ‘Pitbull’ who thrived against Gervonta Davis and Roach. I’ll stay aggressive on September 19.”
But Cruz promises a new blend of styles: “I’ll combine the best of both worlds—his and mine—to secure victory. This marks a new era for ‘Pitbull’ Cruz. The camp has been about solid preparation and positive energy.”
He added, “Saturday’s battle will be an all-out war. I want to make a clear statement that I deserve a shot at the winner of Smith vs. Puello or any champion in this division, including Teofimo Lopez, Ryan Garcia, or Gary Antuanne Russell.”
Fan Take: Isaac Cruz’s drive to challenge the very best worldwide signals exciting times for super lightweight boxing fans. His upcoming fight and potential international bouts could shake up the division, bringing fresh rivalries and high-stakes drama that reinvigorate the sport.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
