What to Know
- Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz has legions of devoted fans in his native Mexico and among Mexican-Americans, beloved for his aggressive Mexican style.
- Cruz will fight for the fight time in San Diego, up against the Mexican border, at Pechanga Arena on Sept. 19. The fight card will air on DAZN Boxing.
- Cruz is also training in San Diego with Eddy Reynoso, trainer to Canelo Álvarez and other great Latino talents.
What does a Pitbull Cruz training camp look like? It’s a barnburner, as you might imagine if you’ve watched the Mexican boxing star in action.
Team Cruz provided photos and updates as the Interim WBC Super Lightweight champion and fan favorite Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz prepares for his fight against a Puerto Rican rival in contender Nestor Bravo.
Cruz and Bravo meet in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions card on Saturday, September 19, from the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.
The fight card also features Jesus Ramos Jr. of Casa Grande, Arizona (24-1, 19 KOs) against Meriim Nursultanov of Kazakhstan (20-0, 11 KOs), based in Newbury Park, California, for the WBC World Interim Middleweight title, and undefeated San Diego-based lightweight Adrian Torres .
Mexico vs Puerto Rico Rivalry Is On
“Bravo is a very tough fighter who always comes forward and likes to put on a show,” said Cruz of Mexico City (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.”
Isaac Cruz Upping His Game With Eddy Reynoso
In his last fight in December, Cruz fought to a draw with Lamont Roach, Jr.
Cruz is now training north of the border with Eddy Reynoso, the renowned trainer of Canelo Alvarez, Frank Sanchez, Jaime Munguia, and recently Rafael Espinoza, at his Escuela de Box in San Diego. At age 28, Cruz is looking to Reynoso’s significant experience to help him find a few new wrinkles to his fight game,
“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.”
Pitbull Cruz Counting On His Loyal Fans
Cruz has packed arenas in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and most recently San Antonio. Now 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. Cruz is enthusiastic about his first fight in San Diego on September 19.
“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.”
Cruz is saying the right things about staying focused on his next opponent and not looking too far ahead to his future plans. He has a fight to win on September 19.
Cruz Thinking Big in 2027
But Cruz understands that an impressive win could mean a title challenge around the corner in 2027. Cruz would like to be the next man to face the winner of the upcoming Dalton Smith vs. Alberto Puello WBC Super Lightweight World Championship fight, which takes place on October 24 in Sheffield, England.
Cruz is also eyeing some of boxing’s biggest names and aiming to secure 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 19.”
Cruz expressed his great appreciation for his legions of fans who have supported him time and time again. He says he intends to make sure they leave September 19 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 19. Make no mistake about it.”
Fans in the San Diego region and in northern Baja California can keep their Mexican Independence Day celebration alive by getting their tickets now to the September 19 card at Pechanga Arena. Tickets for the live event are available through AXS.com.
Gayle Falkenthal is an award-winning boxing journalist with more than four dozen awards for both written and video coverage from the Boxing Writers Association of America, Society of Professional Journalists, and San Diego Press Club, where she is the past president. She is the only woman journalist who is a full voting member of the BWAA. She is the Boxing Editor for NY Fights based in San Diego, California.
