Did Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz Dethrone Canelo Alvarez as Mexico’s Face of Boxing? Oscar De La Hoya on Passing the Torch Ahead of Jaime Munguia Fight

On March 30th, Isaac Cruz defeated Rolando Romero to become the new WBA Super-Lightweight champion of the world. Having physically and technically dominated Romero for most of the fight, in the eighth round, ‘Pitbull’ hit Rolly with several hooks and crosses. As Romero failed to respond, the referee stopped the fight. At this, provided Cruz’s performance, boxing fans wondered if ‘Pitbull’ was the new face of Mexican boxing. But, what does Oscar De La Hoya think?

In his latest interview with FightHype, Oscar De La Hoya slightly doubted if Isaac Cruz had already exceeded the current Mexican undisputed Super-Middleweight champion, Canelo Alvarez. However, the 51-year-old believed young lions like Jaime Munguia and Isaac Cruz were right behind ‘Saul’. Likewise, ahead of Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia on May 4th, ‘Golden Boy’ meditated on a potential passing of the torch.

Young lions are right behind Canelo Alvarez

In 2022, Sean Gibbons from Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions stated that Isaac Cruz was the new face of Mexican boxing. Now, after Cruz stopped Rolando Romero in the eighth round of their fight, Julio Chavez Jr. echoed Sean Gibbons. Besides claiming Cruz could beat ‘Tank’ Davis in a rematch, Chavez Jr. said, “I think he’s the best fighter in Mexico.” In this connection, Oscar De La Hoya was asked if Cruz had dethroned Canelo Alvarez. “I mean, obviously, Canelo is still Canelo,” De La Hoya began.

“It’s going to be huge with Munguia. But, a lot of these young lions are right behind him. They’re right behind him. Trying to take that throne. Trying to take that crown away from Canelo. So, it’s a matter of time obviously. Only time will tell, right?” said Oscar De La Hoya.

“You have these young kids who are 26, 27 years old. Canelo’s already been there, done that. That’s why I’m saying May 4th could be the passing of the torch. It could be,” he concluded. Anyway, while the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions did not explicitly call Isaac Cruz the face of boxing, he greatly praised the manner in which ‘Pitbull’ knocked out Rolly Romero.

Oscar De La Hoya sees a powerful and precise boxer in Isaac Cruz

While it may be too early for fans to call Isaac Cruz the face of Mexican boxing, should he continue performing as he did against Rolly, he will certainly achieve the crown. As per De La Hoya, Cruz already has the elements required. “Rolly getting knocked out by Pitbull Cruz was a surprise. But every great champion must face defeat at some point. It’s part of the journey,” said Oscar De La Hoya.

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“Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz showed his mettle during the fight. His knockout against Rolly Romero was a clear indication of his impeccable power and precision. Romero will come back stronger, no doubt, but for now, Cruz enjoys the victory,” he added. With that said, do you think Isaac Cruz will dethrone Canelo Alvarez soon? Also, like Oscar De La Hoya, do you feel Cruz is powerful and precise? Let us know in the comments below.

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