Isaac Cruz catapulted his career from a middle-of-the-pack contender into a heralded commodity in 2021 when he came in as a late replacement opponent and gave knockout artist Gervonta Davis all he could handle in a close decision loss.
“Pitbull” proved that a fighter can evolve into a star even in defeat, and the performance led to four straight appearances as a co-featured attraction on pay-per-view cards, the most recent one in March being an eighth-round stoppage against Rolando Romero to capture his first world title.
Cruz (26-2-1, 18 KOs) will be showcased again on a mega card when he defends his WBA junior welterweight title for the first time against Jose Valenzuela (13-2, 9 KOs) on Aug. 3 as the co-main event to Riyadh Season’s debut event in the United States.
The show will take place at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on DAZN, ESPN, and PPV.com. It will be headlined by the junior middleweight matchup between Terence Crawford and Israil Madrimov, along with a performance by rap star Eminem.
Just like Eminem is known for a hit list of cult classics, the 26-year-old Mexican fan favorite Cruz is quickly becoming known for his cult following.
“I’m really happy about how fans come to see me,” Cruz told BoxingScene. “My hard work and dedication have led me to where I am now, where the fandom in Los Angeles can feel that I am the people’s main event. I will continue to work hard, make sure I keep earning that and give the fans what they want on fight night.
“I give everything I have every day in training camp so I can perform at my peak every time I am in front of the fans. I leave my heart in the ring every time, and boxing fans see and feel it. That’s why they love me … Whether it is one round or 12 rounds, I will come prepared and make sure the fight is a spectacle.”
The 5-foot, 4-inch power-punching Cruz has been billed as the ”Mexican Mike Tyson” and pegged as the next great Mexican pay-per-view draw after Canelo Alvarez. Cruz said he’s ready to parlay “Pitbullmania” and start headlining his own PPV shows moving forward.
“I feel that I have the right tools and capabilities, physically and mentally, to take on that responsibility if that’s what’s coming next for me,” said Cruz. “I think I’m ready for any challenge that comes in front of me. I don’t fear anyone.
“I trust my management team to decide what’s next for me.”
Cruz is signed to Manny Pacquiao’s promotional company. Lifelong boxing executive Sean Gibbons serves as Cruz’s manager, and Premier Boxing Champions head Al Haymon advises Cruz and has showcased him on PBC shows ever since the fighter made his United States debut in 2019.
Cruz’s wins against Thomas Mattice, Diego Magdaleno and Francisco Vargas set him up as a credible challenger to Davis. After going toe-to-toe with Tank, Cruz has since bested Yuriorkis Gamboa, Eduardo Ramirez, Giovanni Cabrera, and Romero.
“I don’t know if [Davis is] afraid or not to face me in a rematch, but what I do know, with the right training camp and right preparation, if I face Gervonta again, I can give him a big surprise,” said Cruz.
If Cruz beats the 25-year-old up-and-coming southpaw Valenzuela in front of what should be a significant Mexican crowd, roars for a rematch clash against Davis will only get louder.
“Life is all about challenges,” said Cruz. “If Valenzuela feels like he can be a champion, he has to take challenges with the toughest guy out there. [Valenzuela] is one of the toughest guys out there, too, and that gives me a lot of respect. I’m welcoming the challenge. He’s a worthy opponent.”
Cruz’s master plan is to participate in title unification fights, with 140-pound belt holder Teofimo Lopez Jr. leading the bunch, and then resume his career once again as a lightweight.
“I want to stay at 140 pounds for my two-year plan, and I may go back down to 135 pounds. But for now, I am a 140-pounder,” said Cruz.
“I want to face the other three champions to unify the division. It all depends on who is up to the challenge. That’s what it will take for me to get to the next level and become the next supper PPV star.”
Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer and broadcast reporter. He’s also a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan, through email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or via www.ManoukAkopyan.com.
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