Preview - Issac Cruz vs. Gio Cabrera

His opponent only clocks in at 5’ 4”, but Gio Cabrera, in the biggest fight of his life, has a tall order in front of him.

Vastly popular Mexico City lightweight Issac Cruz (24-2-1, 17 KO’s) will meet Chicago’s undefeated Gio Cabrera (21-0, 7 KO’s) in a 12-round, 135-pound fight July 29 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Cruz-Cabrera will be the co-feature of Showtime Pay-Per-View’s four-fight telecast that night headlined by Texas star Errol Spence taking on undefeated Omaha, Nebraska king Terrence “Bud” Crawford for the undisputed world welterweight championship.

The main event is one of the most anticipated fights in a long time and the winner could see themselves slotted atop many peoples’ pound-for-pound list.

Cruz is rated 3rd by the WBC and 5th by both the WBA and WBO. Cabrera slides into the Top 10, rated in 9th place by the WBA. The winner should position themselves for a world title shot.

Going into the bout both fighters boast some nice wins, but you have to give the experience edge to Cruz who has names on his ledger like world champions Yuriorkis Gamboa and Eduardo Ramirez along with a close loss to superstar Gervonta Davis in a fight that elevated his profile. 

Cabrera, an undefeated Chicago native, living and training in Los Angeles, is perfect in 21 fights with wins over 7 previously unbeaten fighters, along with a couple over experienced veterans Rene Tellez Giron and Elias Damian Eraujo and Stockton’s Gabe Flores Jr. 

Style-wise logic would dictate this is the classic puncher vs boxer. At 5’ 4”, Cruz will come in low, look to get close and load up on the heavy shots to the head and body. The 5’ 9” Cabrera, who has a height and reach advantage, would be wise to work from the perimeter, box, tie up inside and look to win a decision – trading with Cruz doesn’t appear to be in his best interests.

In pre-fight interviews, both fighters made it clear they were anxious to get back in the ring and look to win to put themselves in a good spot for a title shot.

Cruz is looking to show he is staying sharp while he waits on his next title task. Cabrera is looking to show he belongs with the best in the division. 

Cabrera, who is nothing if not confident, seemed unfazed by the moment, one he has been waiting for his whole life. 

“I’m very happy to be here. I’ve finally arrived at the stage I’ve wanted to be at my entire career. Isaac Cruz is a great Mexican fighter and I’m a first-generation Mexican. I think this might steal the show. I’m ready for my best performance yet”, he said.

“I believe he’s the best opponent I’ve faced. He has a strong will and a lot of fire. My plan is to meet that fire with my own. I’ve seen many examples of fighters with Isaac’s style. I’ve been able to out-class them. That’s the goal on July 29”, he continued. “This is my time. Isaac Cruz is in trouble. I will be ready on July 29.”

Cruz, who has been on the big stage before, was looking forward to getting back in the ring and showing why he feels he deserves another shot at Tank Davis. 

“I’m training hard, as always, and zeroing in on Giovanni Cabrera’s strengths and weaknesses. I’ll be ready. One round or 12 rounds, however long it lasts, it’s gonna be a great fight”, he said. “I’m gonna put on a show against Cabrera. It’s all part of my effort to close every door that Gervonta (Davis) has available to escape from facing me again. I want to prove that I’m the best at 135 pounds”.

And while Cruz acknowledged Cabrera was a good fighter, he also dropped a warning.

“He may think he’s faced fighters like me in the gym, but he better be ready, because facing the real thing is a lot different”.

Who wins and how? I’m not a prediction guy, but I’ll put on my trainer’s hat here.

Gio Cabrera – work from the outside, pump that jab in Cruz’s face all night, and give him lots of movement.

Don’t stay in place and admire your work after you throw. Don’t move straight back - angles, angles, angles.

Keep it simple - punch and move, or punch and tie up. Repeat. 

Isaac Cruz – use your size to your advantage. Get in close and don’t let Cabrera get set - pressure, pressure, pressure. Hammer the body and come up top after with the heavy artillery. If you back him to the ropes, keep him there. He needs room to work, you don’t.

For both fighters, it is a fantastic card to be on; great exposure. Crawford-Spence is one of the most highly anticipated fights in a long time.

Should be a fun night at the fights.