In the co-main event, WBC interim middleweight titleholder Jesus Ramos faces unbeaten mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov.

Cruz (28-3-2, 18 KOs) fought to a majority draw against Lamont Roach last time out in December. In recent years, Cruz, 28, a popular all-action fighter from Mexico, has scored solid wins against Rolando Romero and Angel Fierro as well as competitive decision losses against Gervonta Davis and Jose Valenzuela.

“I am extremely motivated to return to the ring on September 19,” Cruz said in a statement. “I know that Bravo is very hungry and hoping to pull off the upset, but I also have a very clear goal: to keep proving that I belong among the elite.”

Bravo (24-1, 17 KOs), a 32-year-old from Puerto Rico, got back into the win column by crushing Pedro Campa inside two rounds in January. In the fight before that, Bravo lost a split decision against Xolisani Ndongeni in March 2025.

“September 19 is gonna be a classic Puerto Rico versus Mexico showdown,” Bravo said in a statement. “I’m very grateful to my team and everyone who made this incredible event possible. I’m facing a tough, aggressive fighter who comes forward and likes to engage. But I have all the skills and versatility to win by any means necessary. We’re preparing the right way, and on fight night Puerto Rico will have a new champion.”

The evening's chief support bout features The Ring's No. 9 middleweight in Ramos (24-1, 19 KOs).

The 25-year-old from Arizona scored a unanimous decision against Shane Mosley Jr. last time out in December. The victory was the fourth in a row for Ramos since the lone loss of his career against Erickson Lubin in September 2023.

“I’m super excited to be back in the ring and extra motivated to defend my title for the first time,” Ramos said in a statement. “I know my opponent has a lot of experience and has been waiting for his opportunity. He’s a hungry and dangerous fighter, so we’re expecting the best version of him on September 19.”

Challenging Ramos will be Nursultanov (20-0, 11 KOs), a 33-year-old from Kazakhstan who returns to the United States for the first time since 2019 after originally building his record here. Nursultanov hasn't fought since landing a 12-round unanimous decision win against Julio Alamos in November 2023.

“This upcoming bout is a moment I’ve been eagerly waiting for,” Nursultanov said in a statement. “Getting here took patience and relentless effort. Enough talk; I’m fully dialed in and ready to give my all. I’m bringing pure focus, intense drive and a hunger for victory.”

Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan