4 hrs ago
2 min read
Many fights between Mexicans and Puerto Ricans have transcended boxing.
Isaac Cruz and Nestor Bravo hope to add their names to that list. Cruz will defend his interim WBC 140-pound title in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions card on Saturday at Pechanga Arena San Diego.
Cruz (28-3-2, 18 KOs) is coming off a majority draw against Lamont Roach on December 6. The 28-year-old Mexican, who previously held the WBA 140-pound title, won his interim belt with a unanimous decision over Omar Salcido Gamez in July of last year.
Bravo (24-1, 17 KOs) is coming off a devastating second-round knockout of Pedro Campa on January 10 in New York. The victory got the 32-year-old Puerto Rican back in the win column after the lone loss of his career, a split decision defeat against Xolisani Ndongeni in March 2025.
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THEY SAID IT
Cruz: “It’s a new era for Isaac 'Pitbull' Cruz. We’re prepared for a new chapter of the Mexico-Puerto Rico rivalry. I can guarantee the fans are going to get their money’s worth.
Bravo: “This is the type of fight every boxer dreams of…I’m blessed for this type of opportunity, and it’s here. I’ve been working for this for a while, but I’m grateful. It had to be this moment.”
WHAT ARE THE ODDS
Cruz is an overwhelming favorite at -800 odds, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Bravo is a +500 underdog.
Cruz winning by KO/TKO/DQ is -220 odds, while a decision victory is +300. Bravo is +900 to win by KO/TKO/DQ and +1200 by decision.
MUST-SEE ON THE UNDERCARD
Jesus Ramos Jr. will make the first defense of his interim WBC middleweight title against Meiirim Nursultanov in the co-main event. Ramos (24-1, 19 KOs) won the title when he beat Shane Mosley Jr. by unanimous decision on December 6.
Nursultanov (20-0, 11 KOs) steps into the ring off of a nearly three-year layoff. He beat
Julio Alamos by unanimous decision in his last fight in November 2023.
The winner of Ramos-Nursultanov should be in line to face WBC 160-pound titleholder and The Ring’s No. 1-ranked middleweight Carlos Adames next.
LOCATION
Pechanga Arena, San Diego, CA.
HOW CAN I WATCH
DAZN (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT)
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