Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz returns to the ring for the first time in 2023 as he is set to take on Giovanni Cabrera in a WBC and WBA lightweight title eliminator.
The fight serves as the co-main event for the July 29 undisputed welterweight title bout between Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford, with Cruz and Cabrera hoping to provide early excitement ahead of one of the most anticipated fights in recent memory.
Cruz won both of his matches in 2022 after losing to Gervonta Davis in Dec. 2021. The 25-year-old looks to put himself back into world title contention, with 29-year-old Cabrera standing in his way.
Cabrera enters this fight having extended his perfect record to 21-0 in his last bout, a July 2022 unanimous decision victory over Gabriel Flores Jr.
Here's everything you need to know about Cruz vs. Cabrera.
Date: Saturday, July 29.
Start time: 8 p.m EDT / 1 a.m. BST
Main event ringwalks (approx): 10 p.m. EDT / 12 a.m. BST
The card is due to start at 8 p.m EDT / 1 a.m. BST, with Isaac Cruz vs. Giovanni Cabrera expected for approximately 10 p.m. EDT / 12 a.m. BST. This could change depending on the lengths of the fights on the undercard.
Isaac Cruz:
“I can’t wait to be back in the ring on July 29 in the boxing capital of the world of Las Vegas,” said Cruz.
“It’s even more exciting that I’ll be back on the biggest show of the year. It has always been a dream of mine to fight in Las Vegas, where so many Mexican legends like Julio Cesar Chavez, Salvador Sanchez and Erik Morales have fought before. Now it’s my opportunity and I will not disappoint the fans. As always, I’m coming for the knockout!”
Giovanni Cabrera:
“It hasn’t been an easy road to this point, and I know that I have to beat ‘Pitbull’ Cruz to continue my path to the world title,” said Cabrera.
“This is a hard fight, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I want to earn my status as world champion. Spence vs. Crawford is reminiscent of the glory days of boxing when the best fought the best, and I want to continue that legacy. I respect Cruz and I expect a war. May the best fighter win on July 29.”
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