“The Ref Wasn’t Helping”: After Loss, Cristina Cruz Opens Up About Controversial Stoppage on Jaime Munguia vs John Ryder Undercard

Christina Cruz initially showcased impressive boxing skills against Gabriela Fundora during the first half of their 10-round championship clash on Jamie Munguia vs John Ryder Undercard. However, as the fight for the IBF flyweight title progressed, the younger and stronger Fundora, known for her aggression, began landing harder shots. Taking complete control during the sixth round, Fundora wore down Cruz with relentless pressure.

At a turning point during the 10th round, Fundora capitalized on Cruz turning her back and kept on relentlessly attacking her with powerful shots. This further led to a stoppage in Fundora’s favor. However, now that the fight is over, Cruz has given her reasons for turning her back and how the referee made a bad call by stopping the fight.

Christina Cruz felt betrayed by the TKO decision

The referee Chris Flores made a controversial decision during the 112-pound title fight between Christina Cruz and Gabriela Fundora. The fight was stopped at 59 seconds of the final round, with Flores deciding to end the bout after Cruz turned her back. While Cruz protested the stoppage, Flores interpreted her action as a signal that she didn’t want to continue.

Notably, Fundora landed punches to the back of Cruz’s head just moments before the fight concluded prematurely. Now, Cruz has made a post on X where she explained what made her turn her back to her opponent. She wrote, “The momentum of me missing with the hook, tripping on her front foot and getting hit in the back of my head caused me to turn my back. I didn’t intentionally turn and was not hurt. The 2nd my body turned, ref should’ve stepped in before she punched my back.”

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She also stated that she didn’t receive any help from the referee, so turning her back was the only option left. She wrote, “The ref wasn’t helping so my initial reaction was to cover up and protect myself in hopes the ref would give a warning.” But that didn’t happen. As a result, Cruz ended up giving Fundora her first title defense victory and retained her IBF title.

Now many would sympathize with Cruz, but it’s to be seen if she makes an appeal against the decision or does she moves on to the next challenge. What are your thoughts about this? Tell us in the comments section.

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