Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz’s initial instincts were correct.
The former WBA junior welterweight titlist paused and stepped back as Angel Fierro motioned to shake hands following their intense staredown. Mexico City’ Cruz reluctantly agreed, only for Tijuana’s Fierro to pull him and continue with his best attempt at intimidation.
Tom Brown, head of TGB Promotions, immediately separated the two in his best effort to have them save it for the ring. That logic was already in line with the mindset of at least one fighter.
“[Fierro] is just in a long line of fighters who like to talk outside the ring,” Cruz said during Tuesday’s kickoff press conference at The NOVO at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. “I like to do my talking inside the ring.”
The pair of Mexican sluggers will meet again on July 19. Their junior welterweight rematch will take place on the Mario Barrios-Manny Pacquiao PBC on Prime Video Pay-Per-View undercard from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
It comes less than six months after their ferocious first meeting, won by Cruz, 27-3-1 (18 KOs), via unanimous decision. T-Mobile Arena – down the street from MGM Grand – hosted their Fight of the Year contender.
Cruz survived a rocky third round and a relentless effort by Fierro, 23-3-2 (18 KOs), to prevail by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94 on the February 1 David Benavidez-David Morrell undercard.
It was the type of night where there were no losers from a marketing standpoint. Fans were left wanting to see more of Fierro, even in defeat.
His aim this time around is to make sure he leaves them wanting more on the strength of what would be a career-best win.
“I figured out Isaac Cruz the last time,” insisted Fierro. “Now he has to figure me out. Isaac doesn’t have the chin people say he has. Let’s see if he can figure out to handle me this time around.
“This is win or go home. I haven’t thought about anything else other than revenge. I have a great trainer in Robert Garcia. We’re ready to win.”
A more vocal opponent would have had plenty to say in return. Cruz chose to be reserved with his comments and let the scoreboard do the talking for him.
“OK, I may not have that chin like you say. But I still beat you,” Cruz shot back. “This isn’t even worth a reply. I will respond with my fists on July 19.”
Fierro promised, “I’ll be here waiting for you.”
Cruz is normally must-see TV, no matter the end result. However, he entered the first fight with Fierro in need of a win and an entertaining performance.
The 27-year-old, squat slugger came off a disappointing 12-round, split decision defeat to Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela last August 3 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. His performance and entertainment value were well below what Cruz normally offers in the ring.
Cruz more than made up for that with his spirited – and winning - effort earlier this year. There was no need for a victory lap, though; not then or now.
“I’m going to win,” Cruz vowed. “There’s nothing more to say.”
Naturally, Fierro disagreed with that prediction.
The 26-year-old contender has lost two of his past three starts after he previously enjoyed a seven-fight unbeaten streak. He’s yet to win a fight that has taken place in the lower 48 states 0-2-1 on this side of the border – but firmly believes that his luck will change in July.
“I’m a man of my word,” Fierro reminded everyone in the room. “I told him I would stand toe to toe with him at the center of the ring and go to war. I did that. I’m going to do the same thing in this rematch. This time I’m going to brawl my way to victory.
“I’m going to win on July 19. That’s it.”