Popular Pitbull crushes it at Crypto.com

Former world title challenger, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz (24-2-1, 17 KO’s) delivered another exciting, show-stealing stoppage (KO 2 Eduardo Ramirez, 27-3-3, 12 KO’s) on a rare Sunday night card at Los Angeles’ (former Staple Centre) Crypto.com Arena this past weekend. Despite coming up short in his only world title attempt, losing a close decision to lightweight star Gervonta Davis, Cruz might very well be the most exciting and popular fighter at the top of the 135-pound class.

As far as champions go, Devin Haney is the IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO champion in the lightweight division. While there is no denying Haney’s exceptional boxing skills, on full display when he outboxed and outclassed Australian tough guy George Kambosos in his title-winning effort, he doesn’t bring the heat, and one punch knockout power, of the aggressive and offensive-minded Cruz.

Cruz’s recipe is no secret script as he walks and stalks his opponents, looking to land the serious stuff to the head and body in every exchange. While his offense might overshadow an underrated defense, he is indeed looking to hit it out of the park when he steps to the plate. And as a finisher, if he smells blood, he’s moving in to close the show.

After turning pro as a teenager in 2015, he worked steadily and impressively, mining expected-level opponents for the most part. A loss in his 8th fight and a draw in his 13th fight didn’t tarnish his image too much but did send the message that he might not be a guy competing with boxing’s lightweight elite down the line.

However, a couple of years back, Cruz started on a tear that has seen him go 5-1 and plant his flag as perhaps the most exciting fighter in boxing. Fans respect talent but crave excitement. And while there is no denying Cruz’s boxing talents, it’s his exciting, seek-and-destroy style, and crushing power, that boxing fans love.

In the fall of 2020, Cruz dismantled former 2-time world title challenger Diego Magdaleno in one destructive round in Texas. He followed that fight up by decisioning undefeated Jose Romero in Connecticut. Then, 3 months later he beat former world champion, Francisco Vargas, back in Texas. This set up his final fight of 2021, in December; his razor-thin decision loss to Gervonta Davis.  

This year has been 2 for 2 with Pitbull blitzing former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa last April in 5 rounds and then stopping Ramirez this past Sunday. Arguably, the most exciting fighter in boxing is in a very good position to slot himself into a huge fight next time.

After the fight, Cruz, addressing Davis sitting in the audience, said, “We want the rematch with Gervonta Davis”. A smiling Davis shook his head, but time will tell if that rematch materializes.  

Asked if that fight wasn’t available, Cruz, clearly eager to take another run at a world title, was quick to respond with, “Let’s bring on Devin Haney, let’s bring him in”, he said.

For, now, Cruz will go home, enjoy the satisfaction of another great win, as perhaps boxing’s marquee excitement player, and then look to get ready for what is next under the direction of advisor Sean Gibbons.

“Pitbull is one of the most exciting fighters out there today. He brings the heat and fans love him”, said Gibbons, himself one of boxing’s premiere power players. “Isaac is ready for the very best at 135-pounds. He is ready to become a world champion. It’s title time. Viva Pitbull”, he said.

And, if his next assignment is back in southern California, that will be fine with his ever-growing legion of fans. Mexico might be he is address but Sunday night sure felt like a home game for Cruz.

“I was ready to win it for my family and what a great place to win it, in front of all the L A fans who are with me. Viva Mexico”.