On Saturday, September 19th, top Jr. Welterweight contender and former world title challenger Isaac Cruz will return to the ring to take on fellow top contender Nestor Bravo in a scheduled twelve round bout that can be seen worldwide on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN. The bout, which will take place at the Pechanga Arena, in San Diego, CA will be for Interim/Regular champion status in the World Boxing Council (WBC) Jr. Welterweight ratings, a designation currently held by Cruz as the WBC’s top contender in the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division.
Fighters are often known by their nicknames. Cruz’ style fits his moniker perfectly. “Pitbull.” Known for a relentless come forward pressure style, Cruz has endeared himself to Boxing fans for having a fan-friendly style as well as his willingness to fight anyone in and around the Jr. Welterweight division. In his last fight, Cruz was held to a controversial draw against former world champion Lamont Roach in a fight that some felt should have gone Roach’s way. It served as the latest chapter in what has been a hard luck career for Cruz as he has also found himself on the wrong end of decisions that many felt should have gone his way. The draw nevertheless allowed Cruz to maintain his position as the top WBC Jr. Welterweight contender and in a prime position to either challenge current WBC World Lightweight champion Dalton Smith.
On this occasion, Cruz will face fellow top contender Nestor Bravo. Bravo will enter this fight with a record of 25-1, with 15 Knockouts and is a former North American Boxing Organization (NABO) Jr. Welterweight champion. Bravo’s one career defeat came in a split decision to veteran Xolisani Ndongeni in March of last year. Bravo was able to get back in the ring and score a knockout win in his last fight in January of this year when he scored a second round knockout of Pedro Campa at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.
This fight is a case where one fighter, Bravo, suffered one setback when he stepped up in caliber of opposition and while one loss does not define a fighter, he will be taking an even steeper step up by facing Cruz, who will enter this encounter with a record of 28-3-2, with 18 Knockouts, that has fought a higher level of competition in his career and has held his own against them including against fighters like Lamont Roach, Rolando Romero, and Gervonta Davis. On this basis, it is understandable how some might view Bravo as an underdog going into this bout.
What this encounter will come down to in my eyes is virtually the same question that is asked prior to every Isaac Cruz opponent, How will Nestor Bravo contend with the constant pressure Cruz will bring and more specifically, can he do so for twelve rounds and be able to control the tempo of the combat as well. Although Cruz is not known for his punching power, he has been able to gradually break opponents down and the fight plan for him will be to cut off the ring, try to limit Bravo’s movement, and look to establish an attack to Bravo’s body, which has led to success for him in the past. Whether or not such an approach will be successful for him in this fight remains to be seen.
Obviously, the main goal here for these two boxers beyond attempting to get another victory for their careers is obviously trying to secure an opportunity to challenge Dalton Smith for the WBC Jr. Welterweight world championship. Whether or not that would be more streamlined of a process for the winner of this fight seeing as the promoter of this fight, the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters recently began a worldwide broadcast agreement with digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN and DAZN also has on its ever increasing stable of promoters, which also includes promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, the current promoter of Smith, also remains to be seen. With a significant majority of the sport’s major promoters now firmly aligned under one global broadcast platform, one can hope that it will lead to more streamlined approaches in making sure fights of not only significant interest get made in a more timely manner than has been the norm for decades, but in this case where a mandatory challenger might be able to get their opportunity to fight for a world title sooner than is typically the norm. If that indeed were to happen, it’s a win for the sport and a significant step forward in the right direction.
“And That’s The Boxing Truth/”
Cruz vs. Bravo takes place on Saturday, September 19th at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, CA. The fight as well as its full undercard can be seen worldwide on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT and is available to both standard and DAZN Ultimate subscribers as part of a subscription.
(*North American Start Times Only.* *Card and Start Times Subject to Change.*)
For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.
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