Former WBA super lightweight champion Isaac Cruz is popularly known as ‘Pitbull’ among his fans. The Mexican boxing sensation swiftly established himself as a fearsome contender in the boxing world with his spectacular knockout victories. Notorious for his fighting approach and devastating strength, he was also dubbed the ‘Mexican Mike Tyson’ moniker. 

Many admirers think that the reason Isaac Cruz goes by ‘Pitbull’ is due to his aggressive demeanor and muscular build resembling the Pitbull dog. But let’s hear it from the champ himself how he got his nickname.  

Meaning behind Isaac Cruz’s nickname ‘Pitbull’

Hailing from Mexico City, Cruz started boxing at the age of 7. After making a name for himself in Mexico as a boxer, he got the moniker ‘Pitbull’. The boxer recalls, “It was a nickname that I got here in Mexico City and it was purely based on my fighting style and the way I portray myself inside the ring.”

He became the WBA super lightweight champion earlier this year as he defeated Rolly Romero via knockout. While he lost his next fight and the title to Jose Valenzuela, the 26-year-old is eager to bounce back with his next fight against Angel Fierro. Regardless, let’s look at his other nicknames.

Why is Cruz called ‘The Mexican Mike Tyson’?

Many fans and boxing pundits believe that there is a similarity between Tyson’s and Cruz’s fighting styles. Both of them are shorter in height. Moreover, they frequently deliver strong, short-range strikes while keeping their hands in front of their faces. In fact, ‘Iron Mike’ revealed during a conversation with ESNEWS that Cruz is the one fighter today that reminds him more of himself. Tyson stated, “He’s short and stubby for his weight like I was, and he comes at you. Cruz reminds me the most of who I was. He comes at you with bad intentions.”

Furthermore, even his Mexican fanbase calls him the ‘Mexican Mike Tyson’. Talking about his different monikers, Cruz stated, “I’ve had plenty of nicknames during my life in Mexico, nicknames are very common but my three favorites that I’ve had so far are the Mexican Mike Tyson, The Bomber, and The Cannonball.”

Isaac Cruz’s early life

Raised in Magdalena Contreras, Cruz grew up in a separated household, living with his mother and playing freely with his brother and neighbors. Despite his humble upbringing, boxing was always in his blood.

“My grandfather was a fighter, and my father was a fighter. I started training at the age of seven. The reason is because I did not want to be just another number or a statistic. From the start, I wanted to be someone who shined brightly above the rest,” Cruz recalled.

His dedication quickly showed in the amateur ranks, where he won 73 of 85 bouts, with 50 victories coming by knockout. Cruz dominated Mexico City’s boxing scene, winning championships from 2010 to 2014, and participated in three Olympic trials.

At just 16 years old, Cruz turned professional in March 2015, making an immediate statement with a 90-second knockout of Luis Yan Revilla. “I was very happy to win my professional debut and to know what I wanted in professional boxing,” he said. 

That said, as Isaac Cruz gears up for his next showdown, he continues to embody the ferocity that earned him his nickname. The real question now is whether he can reclaim his dominance in the ring and take the next step toward redemption. What are your thoughts on his nickname?