Angel Fierro seeks revenge against Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz

Six months after delivering an instant classic worthy of Fight of the Year consideration, Angel Fierro is set for a rematch against former world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday July 19.

The main event features Hall of Famer Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao taking on WBC welterweight world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios. Nonetheless, Fierro and Cruz could steal the show if they repeat the action they showed in their first brawl.

Fierro threw 786 punches to Cruz’s 624 in their first 10-round super lightweight matchup on Feb 1. In the final five frames Cruz had 106 punches compared to Fierro’s 132. Cruz took the win over Fierro via unanimous decision, but both men drew raves afterward.

“I didn’t keep my hands up 100% of the time like I needed to,” Fierro said. “That was the main mistake at the time. Pitbull underestimated me and still does. But I already showed him that I’m not a middling fighter. I proved I’m elite and now I’m working twice as hard.”

Angel Fierro made changes

Angel Fierro will be joined in his corner by trainer Robert Garcia. Since Fierro’s first fight against Cruz, Garcia has led training camps for Fierro. Working with Garcia as well as mental and nutritional changes has helped Fierro prepare to showcase a strong fight.

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“It’s been a tough camp,” said Fierro. “I’ve never trained with this much intensity before. Robert Garcia and the whole team has been excellent. We’ve made changes to my sparring sessions and I believe we’re going to deliver a great result.

“I’ve gone through changes physically, mentally, and nutritionally. It’s going to make me formidable. I’m in the best shape of my life and my diet is on point. I’m not worried about making weight, and that’s how an elite fighter should come into a fight.”

Pacquiao returns

The Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios event highlights four matchups. Kicking off the event, two-division world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa will face Joet Gonzalez in a 10-round featherweight fight.

For the WBC Super Welterweight title Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora, the WBC Super Welterweight World Champion, is set to face Tim Tszyu. Fundora defeated Tszyu in a 12-round fight in March 2024.

The match will be available to stream on PBC Pay-Per-View Event on Prime Video as well as traditional cable, satellite outlets, and PPV.com.

“If you thought that my first fight against Fierro was entertaining and full of fireworks, then get ready,” Cruz says. “There will be even more this time. I’m going to do my best to make the fans happy. Buy the pay-per-view, get your snacks and get comfortable, because you’re gonna be the real winners of the night.”