In his first fight of 2025, Isaac Cruz of Mexico City (26-3-1, 18 KOs) is ready for a Mexican battle when he faces Angel Fierro of Tijuana, Mexico (23-2-2, 18 KOs) Saturday in the undercard of David Benavidez vs. David Morell Jr. at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
“Our bags are packed, and we’re ready to see everyone in Vegas this week,” said Cruz. “People are eager to see us back in the ring once again, and there’s no better way to kick off 2025 than with an all-out Mexican battle!”
Cruz is coming off a loss against Jose Valenzuela of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico (14-2, 9 KOs) in his first defense of the WBA junior welterweight title last August. He’ll make his third appearance in the same arena where he captured his first world championship.
“I remember my first time-fighting in Las Vegas because it was the culmination of years of hard work,” said Cruz. “Every Mexican fighter wants to fight in Las Vegas, and I’m thankful to be coming back.
“This doesn’t feel much different than the first time, and that’s because of all the fans who have shown me love. I’m thankful for them, and I want to make them proud.”
Huge Win Followed By Big Upset For Cruz
Cruz, 26, had a career-defining victory when he challenged then WBA junior welterweight champion Rolly Romero of Las Vegas (16-2, 13 KOs) in March 2024. Romero barely stood on his feet and stumbled in the first round after repeated left hooks from the challenger.
The relentless Mexico City native continued to batter the defenseless Romero and staggered him again in the seventh round. Cruz buckled Romero’s knees, tagging him with straight rights and left hooks in the eighth round.
Cheered on by his loud Mexican fans, referee Tom Taylor saw enough and called a stop to the contest, giving Cruz the TKO win and his first world title. According to Compubox, Cruz connected on 129 of 354 total punches (36%) to Romero’s 85 out of 129 (24%).
The new WBA junior welterweight champion then put his title on the line against Valenzuela in August 2024. The heavily favored Cruz was outclassed as Valenzuela moved around the ring and prevented the champion from his comfort zone on the inside.
Valenzuela pulled off the upset split decision victory by scores of 116-112, 116-112, and 115-113 for Cruz.
A dejected Cruz said of the result, “I don’t need to say a word. Listen to the crowd, they are the judge of all this. Just listen to this.” Thanking his own team, Cruz said, “I just got on with my job. I don’t make a decision what the result is. I just do my job.
“I would like to officially request a rematch. I want to throw that down now and ask for a rematch for sure. Thank you to the fans, good night.”
Instead, Cruz will get back on track with an easier touch against Fierro – but not an easy fight.
Cruz Looks To Restart Win Streak Against Fierro
After winning four consecutive fights, Cruz suffered his first defeat since a narrow unanimous decision loss to Gervonta Davis of Baltimore (30-0, 28 KOs) in December 2021. Cruz has three stoppages in his last four wins and hopes to return to competing with the top fighters at 140 pounds.
The Tijuana-bred Fierro, age 26, has no shortage of power in his hands. Nine of his last 10 victories were knockout or TKO stoppages.
“Saturday, February 1st is a new beginning,” said Cruz. “Fans love these types of fights, and that’s who I fight for.
“We had a strong training camp to be at our best when the bell rings. The goal is to retake our spot at the top and get into more big fights. We’re going to go into that ring in great shape,” promised Cruz.
