LAS VEGAS – It comes so naturally for Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz to display what makes him such a draw to fight fans.
Typically, the appealing actions come in the ring, where Cruz previously won a 140lbs title and now operates as an all-action dynamo who has won a legion of fans in Mexico as he heads to a Saturday night rematch against countryman Angel Fierro at MGM Grand.
At Thursday’s news conference, Cruz emphasized his appeal by answering reporter questions in his typically authentic manner.
Which 140lbs champion does he want to fight most among Teofimo Lopez, Richardson Hitchins, Subriel Matias or Gary Antuanne Russell?
“Whoever wants to give me the opportunity, I’m ready,” he said.
While Rolly Romero, Gervonta Davis and Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela didn’t hurt you, why did Fierro?
“Because he was rabbit punching, and those punches shouldn’t be allowed.”
Every hurtful punch was an illegal, back-of-the-head blow?
“You tell me if those were rabbit punches, amigo.”
You looked in trouble in that round. How did you summon the strength to rally [and win by unanimous decision]?
“Look, I’m ready for those kinds of moments. If I wasn’t ready to endure that type of contact and punishment, then I wouldn’t be in this sport. I overcame that. It’s part of boxing.”
This is why Cruz 27-3-1 (18 KOs) has endeared himself to so many.
It’s gotten to the point that even though he’s ranked No. 2 in the WBO and No. 3 in the WBC, Cruz’s reputation for high entertainment doesn’t necessitate his participation in a title fight to draw widespread attention.
“Look, I fight to be better each day,” he said. “I fight for the fans, myself and the love of boxing. That’s it.”
Returning trainer of the year Robert Garcia corners Fierro 23-3-2 (18 KOs) for the rematch after previously guiding Valenzuela to an August upset WBA title victory over then-champion Cruz, who had taken the belt from current WBA 147lbs champion Romero in March 2024.
“‘Pitbull’ is a superstar in Mexico. People love him, his style. He takes two punches to land one and knocks his opponents out,” Garcia said. “He doesn’t need to be a champion to be loved or to get great pay days. Very few guys like that are out there, but he’s one of them.”
Somewhat remarkably, this is Cruz’s 10th fight in just more than four years – quite an accomplishment for a fighter so willing to engage in wars.
At 27, Cruz says that’s consistent with his devotion to the rugged sport.
“I’ve worked hard since I was a kid. We earn our stripes as we go,” he said. “I keep going, keep working hard, give the fans what they want and the fans give me their love in return.”
Certainly, they want a knockout finish from Cruz.
“We’re ready for anything,” he said. “I’m here to do my job. One round, 12 rounds. Whatever is needed.”
At Thursday’s face-off, Cruz and Fierro pressed their foreheads together at the photo-op, and had to be separated.
“It’s just the rivalry expressing itself, nothing more to make of it. I only focus on myself and winning, not what he does,” Cruz said. “I really don’t care. He can say more or less [than last fight]. We’re going to fight Saturday night. That’s all that matters.”
