Isaac Cruz Vs. Nestor Bravo: Fight Date, Full Card, And Matchup Analysis
Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz is used to being the smaller man in his fight. The 5-foot-4 brawler never relents and stays true to his style, but his upcoming opponent presents an even taller task than normal. Cruz is set to battle Nestor Bravo, who stands 5-foot-9, a full five inches taller than Cruz. Bravo is also a legit KO artist with a 70% KO percentage — which is pretty significant for the smaller weight classes. Let’s talk boxing.
Cruz won the interim belt with a unanimous decision over late replacement Omar Salcido in July, and this is his first defense. Before that he drew with Lamont Roach Jr. last December. Bravo is 32, has been a professional for 11 years and is not ranked in the top 15 by the WBC, WBA, WBO or IBF at 140 pounds . His only defeat came by split decision to Xolisani Ndongeni. The co-feature is also for an interim WBC title.
The fight with Bravo will be Cruz’s first with famed trainer, Eddy Reynoso. The same man who has helped Canelo Alvarez prepare for many of his iconic bouts is now in Pitbull’s corner. There was some controversy involved in Cruz’s decision to hire Reynoso, as he had been trained by his father in the past.
That break — if and when it happens in a fighter’s career — is always a sensitive subject. Reynoso comes on at a time when Cruz may really need to lean on his trainer’s eyes as a guide considering the massive height and reach (6.5 inches) advantage he’ll need to overcome.
As of now, there is only one other fight showing on the DAZN card, and that pits Jesus Alejandro Ramos Jr vs. the undefeated Meiirim Nursultanov . That fight could be a war and do well to set the stage for Pitbull.
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How to Watch Cruz vs. Bravo
Imagine what happens if Cruz loses — or worst yet — gets knocked out. Critics and trollers are going to attribute the defeat to Pitbull leaving his father to train with Reynoso. That’s unfair and not necessarily connected, but we all know that it’ll happen. No matter how we look at it, Cruz comes into this fight with a lot of pressure on his back and an opponent with real heat on his punches.
It’s going to make for an intriguing battle.
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