After that magical concoction of hooks and haymakers he used to quieten the verbose ‘Rolly’ Romero, the ‘Pitbull’ will be back to defend his territory against fellow Mexican Jose Valenzuela. It’s a crucial match for Isaac Cruz. A win might ensure future big paydays against the likes of Teofimo Lopez, Devin Haney, or, who knows, Ryan Garcia! Cruz is, therefore, leaving no stone unturned. Clips of the Mexico City-born champion have been grabbing attention for some time.

In the latest, footage featuring ‘Pitbull’ Cruz training hard on a heavy punching bag seems to be gathering considerable traction. The second-only fighter who has the honor of taking Gervonta Davis the whole distance, Cruz didn’t allow the setback to dictate terms and chalked out an all-together route for himself in the 140-pound division. victory over Romero made him one of the major attractions from the lower divisions, especially given how the stars of fellow divisional mates such as Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney took a hit.

Champion’s Preparations: Isaac Cruz

Fight Hub TV‘s Instagram post read, “Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz is in beast mode, hitting the heavy bag as he prepares for his fight versus Rayo Valenzuela!” With Mexican music (Mariachi?) playing in the background, the clip begins with Cruz throwing quick shots at the duct-tape-wrapped punching bag.

Body shot combinations: first slow, then increasing his speed; ‘Pitbull’ circles around after the bag after the first set. The sequence begins, but with a slight variation, as he starts moving his body and making head movements now and then. His trainers could be seen watching over him closely.

Through the video, Isaac Cruz appeared relaxed and composed. Probably the quiet before the storm he unleashed in the ring on fight night? Jose Valenzuela picked up his lessons after that terrific knockout loss to Edwin De Los Santos. He suffered another loss to Chris Colbert, albeit a disputable one. But ‘El Rayo’ turned the tables with his right hook in round 6, which sent the Brooklynite down. Currently ranked 6 in the WBA rankings, it’s the Sinaloa-born fighter’s first title attempt.

Confidence meets Skepticism

However, from the reactions, Isaac Cruz’s new training footage doesn’t seem to have enthused a lot of fans. Perhaps some feel that ‘El Rayo’ and Rolando Romero shouldn’t be equated together. Let’s check what some of them had to say.

Stating clearly their support for Jose Valenzuela, this fan believes that Isaac Cruz might have turned a bit overconfident for the fight. They said, “I’m rooting for RAYO on this one! Pitbull lost that humble vibe.” But the second fan made it explicit where his support would go. Confident that ‘Pitbull’ Cruz would knockout Valenzuela, they would rather have wager with anyone on a decisive outcome. “Man Pitbull is knocking Rayo tf out.. bet your money on the KO.”

Finding a lot of similarities between Isaac Cruz and legend Roberto Duran, this fan had nothing but respect and admiration for the Mexican champion: “Baby Roberto Duran—paws of stone.” But expressing their strong faith in ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela, the following supporter expressed strong faith that if Cruz advances recklessly, then in all likelihood, the Sinaloa-born southpaw might capitalize on it, launching a counter-punch.  ‘El Rayo’ stands far more skilled opponent than Rolando Romero. “El-Rayo will catch him if he carelessly comes forward! This ain’t Rollie. EL-Rayo is like that!” They said.

Highlighting ‘Pitbull’s dedication and intensity, the next fan suggested that the punching bag, which might have been bought recently, has started showing signs of wear and tear. They said, “That bag was new 2 weeks ago; he already worn it out using duct tape.”

Clearly, lots of applause and warnings for the ‘Pitbull’. Given that he is going against a boxer with a matching knockout-to-win rate, fans can expect some explosive early rounds in the match.

The fights take place on Saturday, August 3, at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The duo fight on a heavily loaded Riyadh Season card, headlined by the Terence Crawford and Israil Madrimov title fight. Apart from four title fights, the show features the return of former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. as well.

Between Cruz and Valenzuela, who is your favorite for the win?