Isaac Cruz has previously had the propensity to step up and take advantage of the big stage he’s been presented with.

Cruz's stardom originally catapulted after dropping a competitive and close decision to Gervonta Davis in 2021 as a replacement opponent while headlining a pay-per-view show.

Cruz cashed in his ticket soon after, as we was featured on the PPV undercard for Errol Spence's stoppage win against Yordenis Ugas in April 2021 by knocking out Yuriorkis Gamboa, and Andy Ruiz's decision win against Luis Oritz in September while knocking out Eduardo Ramirez. 

The back-to-back electrifying KOs have earned Cruz (24-2-1, 17 KOs) another showcase fight on PPV, as the Mexico City-based lightweight nicknamed Pitbull will fight Giovanni Cabrera (21-0, 7 KOs) on July 29 as the co-main event for the Spence vs. Terence Crawford fight. 

“I’m really excited to win this fight so I can get to the next level of what I want to achieve. Giovanni is a quality fighter and he’s undefeated for a reason. I’m definitely not overlooking him, because he’s earned this shot,” Cruz said during a recent discussion with reporters. 

“I’m training hard as always and zeroing in on Giovanni Cabrera’s strengths and weaknesses. It’s an honor to be the co-main event of a fight that will be remembered forever in boxing lore.

“My plan is to go out there and put on a show for everyone watching. I’ll be ready. One round or 12 rounds, however long it lasts, it’s gonna be a great fight.”

The 5 foot 4 inch, 25-year-old Cruz wants to catapult himself and get another crack at Davis following their spirited slugfest. From Davis’ 29 career fights, only two opponents made it to the final bell, and Cruz was one of them. Davis barely edged Cruz 133 to 121 with total shots landed in the fight. 

“I’m gonna put on a show against Cabrera. It’s all part of my effort to close every door that Gervonta has available to escape from facing me again. I want to prove that I’m the best at 135 pounds,” said Cruz. 

“I’m here to show everyone that I’m no social media fighter like some others are. I’m a dog, I’m a warrior and my ceiling is not even close to being hit yet.”

Cabrera is a former Manny Pacquiao sparring partner who last scored a shutout decision win against Gabriel Flores Jr. He also beat Rene Tellez Giron as part of a three-win 2022 campaign. 

“He may think he’s faced fighters like me in the gym, but he better be ready, because facing the real thing is a lot different,” said Cruz. 

“The fans are extra motivation for me. I want to keep giving them spectacular fights. It fills me with joy and pride to see their support. I promise every single fan that this fight is gonna be worth the price of admission.

The card headlined by Spence vs. Crawford will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and headline a Showtime PPV card for $84.99.

Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer, and broadcast reporter. He’s also a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan, through email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com, or via www.ManoukAkopyan.com.