Isaac Cruz seeks redemption, return to winning ways

In his return to Las Vegas, Isaac Cruz is looking to take a step toward reclaiming his World Boxing Association super lightweight championship belt. The diminutive former champions from Mexico City will fight heavy underdog Angel Fierro before David Benavidez and David Morrell Jr. fight Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in a PBC Pay-Per-View card on Prime Video. 

Cruz, 26, is excited to return to Las Vegas for the third time in his career to fight a fellow Mexican. Cruz and Fierro promise to live up to the proud tradition of brutal brawls when two Mexican fighters meet.

“People are eager to see us back in the ring once again,” Cruz said. “And there’s no better way to kick off 2025 than with an all-out Mexican battle.”  

Viva Las Vegas

The 5-foot-4 Cruz enters the fight with a record of 26-3-1 with 18 knockouts. The 5-foot-7 Fierro, 31, is 22-2-2 with 18 knockouts. 

Isaac Cruz fondly recalls his first fight in Las Vegas. He remembers all the hard work that went into beating Giovanny Cabrera in a 12-round split decision to retain the World Boxing Council silver lightweight title and win the vacant World Boxing Organization Latino lightweight title on July 29, 2023. 

In his second bout in Las Vegas, Cruz won the WBA super lightweight title against Rolando Romero with a technical knockout in the eighth round. 

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“Every Mexican fighter wants to fight in Las Vegas,” Cruz says. “And I’m thankful to be coming back. This doesn’t feel much different than that first time because of all the fans who have shown me love. I’m thankful for them and I want to make them proud.”

Seeking return to winning ways

Cruz hopes to earn another title shot, so he realizes he must get back on a winning streak. He lost his WBA super lightweight title last Aug. 3 against José Valenzuela at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. 

This bout against Fierro is viewed as a new beginning for Cruz. He says he has had a strong training camp. As far as he’s concerned, he has put himself in the best position to succeed when the lights turn on in Vegas. 

“The goal is to retake our spot at the top and get into more big fights,” Cruz said. 

Fierro is also coming off a defeat. He lost to Alfredo Santiago by unanimous decision on June 15 in Puerto Rico.

For now, Cruz and Fierro will focus on beating each other and setting the tone for the main attraction at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday between Benavidez, the interim WBC light heavyweight champ, and Morrell, the WBA light heavyweight champion.

Morrell, 27, is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Benavidez, 28, is 29-0 with 24 knockouts.