Mexico's Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will defend his WBC interim junior welterweight title against once-beaten Puerto Rican Nestor Bravo in the twelve-round main event streaming live on DAZN and presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, September 19th from Pechanga Arena in San Diego. In the chief support, Mexico's Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. defends the WBC interim middleweight title against mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov of Kazakhstan. Tickets go on sale on Thursday, August 6th at 10 a.m. PT through AXS.com.
One of Mexico’s biggest boxing stars, Cruz will enter the ring for the first time under the guidance of renowned trainer Eddy Reynoso. Cruz will bring his signature all-action style to the ring in San Diego for the first time against the upset-minded Bravo, after drawing huge crowds across fights in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Antonio.
After a hard-fought draw against Lamont Roach Jr. last December, Cruz will look to thrill his fanbase once again against Bravo, the veteran Puerto Rican contender. Buoyed on by his adoring fans, Cruz (28-3-2, 18 KOs) became a world champion in March 2024 as he hurt Rolly Romero badly in round one before eventually ending the fight via TKO to claim the WBA title. Prior to dropping Roach on his way to the draw, Cruz bounced back from a loss to Jose Valenzuela by out-slugging countryman Angel Fierro in February 2025 and then turning away Omar Salcido by unanimous decision in July. A native of Mexico City, Cruz shot up the rankings in 2020 with a first-round knockout over veteran Diego Magdaleno in October before adding dominant decisions over Francisco Vargas and Jose Matias Romero. This rise led to the 28-year-old challenging Gervonta Davis in December 2021, a fight that saw Cruz lose by decision to become just the second fighter at the time to see the final bell against Davis. Cruz also owns stoppage wins over former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa and veteran contender Eduardo Ramirez, in addition to a twelve-round decision over the then-unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera.
“I am extremely motivated to return to the ring on September 19,” said Cruz. “I know that Bravo is very hungry and hoping to pull off the upset, but I also have a very clear goal, to keep proving that I belong among the elite.”
The 32 year-old Bravo (24-1, 17 KOs) showed of his considerable power in his last outing, a one-punch knockout over Pedro Campa in January. The triumph was a bounce back effort for Bravo, who had previously been on the wrong end of a split decision against Xolisani Ndongeni in March 2025. The native of Arecibo, Puerto Rico had racked up an unbeaten record across 23 fights since turning pro in February 2015, with considerable experience on U.S. cards while on the rise. He’s shown his boxing acumen and durability in a pair of ten-round unanimous decision victories over veteran contenders Will Madera and Jose Gallegos. In addition, Bravo was an accomplished Puerto Rican amateur who owns a win over former world champion and Olympic gold medalist Robson Concecaio.
“September 19th is gonna be a classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico showdown,” said Bravo. “I’m very grateful to my team, and everyone who made this incredible event possible. I’m facing a tough, aggressive fighter who comes forward and likes to engage. But I have all the skills and versatility to win by any means necessary. We’re preparing the right way, and on fight night Puerto Rico will have a new champion.
“Mexican star Isaac ’Pitbull’ Cruz is an established must-see attraction, and combined with the highly-touted phenom Jesús Ramos Jr. competing on the card, Saturday, September 19 shapes up to be a can’t miss fight for San Diego’s passionate Mexican boxing fanbase,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “These bouts on DAZN will feature these two still ascendant stars in highly-competitive matchups as the skilled and determined Bravo and undefeated Nursultanov look to make their own names on the big stage.”
“Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz is one of boxing’s most exciting and recognizable stars, and his all-action style makes every appearance must-see,” said Britton Hardin, Head of Boxing, North America at DAZN. “His title defense against Nestor Bravo promises an action-packed main event, while Jesús Ramos Jr. faces a major test against an unbeaten mandatory challenger in the co-main event. This is exactly the type of competitive, high-stakes card that DAZN and Premier Boxing Champions are committed to delivering to fight fans.”
