Isaac Cruz Looking To Bring the Pain To Rolly Romero
On March 30, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz (25-2-1, 17 KOs) will attempt to take the WBA junior welterweight title away from the man who currently holds the title, Rolando “Rolly” Romero (15-1, 13 KOs). Chomping at the bit to get his fists on Romero, Cruz demands the defending champion better come to fight, or suffer defeat.
During the pre-fight media rounds, Romero claimed he’s locked in for the fight and greatly respects Cruz. But during the official video trailer for the fight, Rolly was hitting a pinata – a shot at the Mexican native, and a signal of what he plans to do on fight night.
SOMETHING TO PROVE
That action was more par for the course for Rolly, who has a reputation as being one of the biggest trash-talkers in the sport. During a virtual interview with members of the boxing press, Pitbull said the following when asked about his assessment of the defending champion:
“All I’m doing right now is getting ready to shut his mouth punch by punch. With every punch, he’s going to talk a little less . . . I hope he fights the way he talks. That’s what I’m getting ready for on March 30.
Isaac Cruz via Translation
Cruz is coming off a tough split-decision win over Giovanni Cabrera in July 2023. In truth, there are questions about whether he truly earned this title shot. However, Pitbull is a very competent, world-class fighter. He gives just about anyone problems at either 135 or 140 pounds when he’s at his best.
That was the case during his unanimous decision loss to the reigning WBA lightweight champion Abdul Wahid, formerly known as Gervonta “Tank” Davis, in December 2021. Now Cruz gets another chance to win a world title against Rolly at 140.
If the challenger can force the pace and get his vaunted inside game going, he will have his moments. Both men can punch with either hand but often leave themselves open. Given their styles, Romero versus Cruz has the ingredients to be one of the more entertaining fights in 2024.
