WBC interim junior welterweight champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz plans to go toe-to-toe with Puerto Rico's Nestor Bravo when they meet in the main event on DAZN in a show presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, September 19th at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California. “Bravo is a very tough fighter who always comes forward and likes to put on a show,” said the Mexican Cruz (28-3-2, 18 KOs). “We’re going to be the next chapter of a great boxing rivalry and I know that this fight has everything it takes to go down in history as one of the great fights in the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry. I expect Bravo to come out with an aggressive mindset, but we have our own strategy to counter his style.” Tickets for the live event are available through AXS.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.
The Mexico City native has made a significant addition to his fight night corner, adding Eddy Reynoso, the renowned trainer of Canelo Alvarez and more, to his team. The 28 year-old will look to lean on Reynoso’s significant experience to bring his game to an even higher level. “One of the main reasons I want to work with Eddy Reynoso is his experience and the tremendous job he’s done with Canelo, and a long list of top fighters,” said Cruz. “His ability to understand fighters, both mentally and technically, and to read each situation, has allowed him to reach the top of the sport. I believe Eddy has the qualities, experience and knowledge we need to compete with the elite of boxing today.”
Having packed arenas in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and most recently San Antonio, Cruz will look to thrill his adoring fans in another hotbed for Mexican boxing supporters as he steps into the ring to fight in San Diego for the first time, an opportunity that Cruz embraces leading up to September 19th. “I’m very happy to be coming to San Diego for the first time,” said Cruz. “It’s a city with a huge Mexican community, and one that was once part of a Mexican territory. I want to give the fans in San Diego and coming up from Tijuana a fight to remember. I’m sure I’m going to feel right at home.”
While Cruz is adamant that he’s only focused on Bravo, his plan is to show on September 19th that he should be next to face the winner of the upcoming Dalton Smith vs. Alberto Puello WBC junior welterweight championship match. In addition, Cruz has his eyes on some of the sport’s biggest names and securing his status as a two-time 140-pound world champion. “I want to make a statement and leave no doubt that I deserve to face the winner of Smith vs. Puello,” said Cruz. “I’m also ready to face any champion in the division. And why not think about facing Teófimo López, Ryan García or any 140-pound champion, such as Gary Antuanne Russell, in the not-too-distant future? But first, we have to take care of business and win on September 19th.”
As always, Cruz expressed his great appreciation for his legions of fans who have supported him time and time again, and expressed his intent to make sure they leave September 19th with their money’s worth. “The fans give you an adrenaline rush that every fighter craves,” said Cruz. “Feeling the support and affection of the fans, especially in the United States, is priceless. I’m going to give it my all to put on a great show and make sure the fans leave satisfied. I want to showcase everything we’ve worked on and prepared for during this great training camp. You’re going to see a ‘Pitbull’ Cruz victory on September 19th. Make no mistake about it.”
