LOS ANGELES — Isaac Cruz and Angel Fierro engaged in 10 ferocious rounds in February as leather flew with reckless disregard.

No love was lost when the Mexican contenders met for the first time to promote their July 19 rematch during a press conference at The Novo at LA Live.

As they faced off, after a 20-second staredown, Fierro extended his hand for a shake and started muttering in Spanish and nodding his head. Cruz continued his cold stare as Fierro’s grip tightened. Fierro aggressively stepped forward, forcing event promoter Tom Brown to separate them.

The sequence was a precursor of what’s to come in their sequel following their fight of the year contender.

“I’m here to remove the bitter taste from my mouth from the first fight with Cruz. It’s gonna be a great fight and I can’t wait,” said Fierro (23-3-2, 18 KOs).

“I figured Isaac Cruz out in our first fight, and now he’s gonna have to figure me out. Isaac doesn’t have the chin that people say he has. So let’s see if he can figure out what to do in the rematch.

“We’re here because he didn’t win so convincingly. We’ll see what happens next. Everyone will see on July 19.”

Cruz (27-3-1, 18 KOs), a former 140-pound titleholder, was rewarded with scores of 98-92, 97-93, and 96-94 in a brawl that featured 1,410 punches thrown — Cruz landed 248 to Fierro's 238.

Cruz’s promoter, Sean Gibbons, told The Ring that he believes the barn-burning Cruz-Fierro rivalry can be this generation’s Arturo Gatti-Micky Ward.

“He says I don’t have a chin, but I still beat him. We’re gonna see on July 19,” said Cruz. “I’m not worried about what he said.

“It’s not even worth replying to what Angel is saying right now. I’m gonna respond with my fists when that bell rings … We’re going to put on a show once again. I’m gonna win. There’s nothing more to say. Get ready, because I’m leaving that ring with another victory. He’s just one more in a long line of talkers who like to talk outside of the ring. I like to do my talking inside of the ring.”

The rematch will take place on the PBC on Prime Video PPV undercard at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, headlined by Manny Pacquiao’s return at 46 against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.