Isaac Cruz promises bout worthy of Mexico-Puerto Rico rivalry

Isaac Cruz knows very well what Mexican and Puerto Rican boxing fans expect when their boxers meet. Boxing has a rich history of Mexico vs. Puerto Rico brawls, and Pitbull Cruz vows to live up to those expectations when he faces Nestor Bravo.

“This is another chapter in a great rivalry between two boxing rich nations,” Isaac Cruz said Thursday. “I guarantee we’re gonna put on a show and write another chapter in this rivalry.”

Cruz will put his interim WBC Super Lightweight title on the line Saturday at Pechanga Arena in San Diego. The title bout, which is presented by Premier Boxing Champions, will air on DAZN.

The 5-foot-4 Cruz (28-3-2, 18 KOs) is adamant that the fight against Bravo could help him propel to bigger bouts. The native of Mexico City had to settle for a draw in his last bout in December against Lamont Roach. He’s on a modest three-bout undefeated streak.

Isaac Cruz ‘ready for anything’

“Bravo is a strong opponent, but I’m ready for anything,” Cruz, 28, said. “Whether it’s the first, second or the final bell I’ll be ready. We want to fight at the level that this Mexican Independence month deserves.”

Bravo (24-1) beat Pedro Campa in January in his first bout since suffering the first loss of his professional career in March 2025  against Xolisani Ndongeni.

“You saw what happened when the real Nestor Bravo was back in the ring in January,” Bravo said. “I’m healthy and at my best. Pitbull is a real world champion. I know what he brings to the table. But we’ve been preparing for everything. I’m going to be the best version of myself. I promise this fight is gonna be one of the best fights between Mexico and Puerto Rico.”

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WBC Middleweight champion Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. will fight Meiirim Nursultanov in the co-main event. Ramos hopes to use his bout on Saturday to prove he’s ready to face Carlos Adames. 

“Carlos Adames is in my way of those big fights and I have to get him out of the way,” Ramos said. “First I have to get Nursultanov out of the way.

“Nursultanov is brave for taking this fight off of a layoff. I’m not the same fighter I was three years ago. I’m gonna show him that it’s not that easy on Saturday night.”