What’s the most exciting division in boxing right now, which is brimming with talent and stacked with high-profile names? Undoubtedly, it’s the super lightweight division. Amid the long list of A-listers, two names have the boxing community buzzing. Ryan Garcia, who smashed Devin Haney and shocked the boxing world, and Isaac Cruz, who is the newest champion in the division. But will their paths cross?

Well, in an ideal world, they should have fought by now. The two go a long way back, but with both recently moving to 140 and amassing exciting wins, they might be on a collision course. Should ‘KingRy’ chase a fight with the WBA champion? The answer is a resounding yes. Why so?

Ryan Garcia vs. Isaac Cruz: old rivalry, new division but higher stakes

Two years ago, Garcia, 25, and Cruz, 25, were fighting at 135 and under the Golden Boy Promotions banner. They went back and forth multiple times, teasing a fight, but nothing materialized. ‘Pitbull’ saw himself as a successor to Canelo Alvarez and the face of Mexican boxing, while he labeled Garcia as a social media fighter.

The sparks of rivalry have been ignited at 140 as they continue to call out each other. Moreover, the Mexican fighter’s win against Rolando Romero has ensured a heavy payout as the reward, if two exchange punches. Their probable fight promises fireworks, carnage, and high-paced action. A knockout will always be the most logical outcome.

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The fight, therefore, has all the markings of a PPV blockbuster. An old rivalry, fan-favorite fighting style, and the buzz surrounding them after their recent fights. Besides the money, the Victorville native gets to add another big name to his resume and prove his boxing credentials.

Beefing up resume: ‘Pitbull’ is the sensation many believe he is

Garcia, at 25-1, has recently fought the likes of Haney, and before that, the only notable fight in his records was Gervonta Davis. Some doubters have criticized him for avoiding fights. However, a fight with Cruz, at 26-2-1, will put those doubts to rest. In addition, he will have fought another heavy puncher and can build on this experience before moving up to 147.

Notably, the Mexican champion’s fight with ‘Tank’ showcased his boxing acumen and prowess. His defense was tight, he exhibited good bodywork, and he caught Davis clean multiple times. It was a close fight and a decision loss against Davis is as good as a win in the eyes of boxing fans. So, defeating Cruz will be a litmus test for Garcia and the perfect opportunity to carve out a name for himself as a top-billed fighter. And there is another cherry on top.

The allure of the gold

Cruz is the current WBA champion at 140, and defeating him will also secure Garcia’s first championship title. While the American boxer has been an interim champion at 135, he never climbed to the top. He had the opportunity to bag the gold strap against Haney, but he decided to add 3 pounds extra to keep himself in better shape and bag a win, sidelining his championship ambitions.

He has the perfect chance to finally walk the path of a champion, assume a better position while negotiating contracts, and leave home with a larger split of the purse. But the question remains. Can Garcia defeat Cruz?

Can Ryan Garcia shock the world again?

What makes Cruz a dangerous boxer? He has power, has good head movement, and unloads sharp punches. He also cuts the ring off well if you try to evade his heavy punches. Cruz fights his heart out. But he at large is a unidimensional fighter, not to mention he is undersized for 140.

On the other hand, Garcia has looked big for 140. He can utilize his size advantage to the full against Cruz, which is sure to cause trouble for the champion. Additionally, Garcia has added more weapons to his arsenal. He bamboozled Haney with his right hooks, employed a more refined shoulder roll, and has improved stamina to go on for 12 rounds. Garcia is slowly molding himself into a better boxer, and a victory against Cruz might not come as a shock next time. But Cruz is a tough nut to crack with his solid chin. It remains to be seen whether he can break him down with his left hooks.

What do you make of this probable fight between Ryan Garcia and Isaac Cruz? Who do you think will emerge victorious? Let us know in the comments below.