Like Father, Like Son - Isaac Cruz Sr.

His son may have the world title belt in the family, but his father was a fighter of note himself.

Isaac Cruz (Jr) is one of the hottest stars in boxing right now, having just captured the WBA 140-pound title by stopping Rolly Romero. Junior has earned the nickname “Pitbull”, but his father was himself a “knockout” when he stepped through the ropes.

It seems boxing is in the genes in the Cruz family as Cruz’s grandfather and father were boxers. It turns out that (Dad) Isaac “Knockout” Cruz had quite a career himself.

Isaac Cruz (Sr) fought from 1991-2000 and would bank 26 pro fights. While he posted a workman-like 16-10 record, he certainly had some power stopping 14 of his 16 opponents. At a closer look, he certainly was willing to test himself against some outstanding fighters.

Looking over Cruz Sr’s record, you can see where his son got his ‘anyone, anywhere’ attitude.

Cruz turned pro in 1991 in his native Mexico, and his first 10 fights would go 7-3. However, it was clear that he was a game and tough fighter who wasn’t picky about whom he fought. He faced fighters that would morph into rugged opponents like Felipe Castillo and Eduardo Gomez. He also went the distance with Philadelphia’s Ivan Robinson in 1995 - Robinson would win a world title the following year. 

From 1995 to 2000, he would fight 16 times. In that span he would face rugged New York veteran Dillon Carew, world champions Vernon Forrest, John John Molina, and Junior Witter, along with world title challenger Ray Olivera. 

During this run, he went to (then-14-1) Steve Hindi’s home of Albuquerque, NM. and stopped him in the 2nd round. He also popped over to Argentina to beat Fedalatin champion Walter Crucce, (then-35-2) in August of 1999. Then, 2 months later, he went into the hometown of undefeated (11-0) Miami fighter Guillermo Valdes and stopped him in 6 rounds. Then 2 fights later he traveled to Uruguay to beat local fighter Danile Freitas, stopping him in 2. He finished off his career by fighting future world title challenger Ray Olivera in Olivera’s home of Cranston, Rhode Island.

A native of Mexico City, Cruz would give his passport a workout during his professional run seeing the world on boxing’s dime. He stepped through the ropes all over the United States along with Uruguay, Argentina, Canada, Puerto Rico and Britain.

Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz is a great fighter. He is aggressive, tough and willing to face anyone, anywhere. Turns out the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree - his dad, Isaac Sr., had a “Knockout” of a career himself.

Like father, like son.