LAS VEGAS – The anticipation is palpable as Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz prepares to face off against Angel "Tashiro" Fierro on February 1, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena. Famed for its historical importance, this fight is not just another bout; it's the inaugural match for the coveted "Guerrero Azteca" belt introduced by the World Boxing Council (WBC) to honor the rich history of Mexican boxing.
Both fighters are eager to bounce back from setbacks. Cruz, who suffered a narrowly contested defeat against Jose "Rayo" Valenzuela last August, views this fight as his opportunity to reaffirm his standing among the elite boxers. “That defeat was a learning experience, and we continue to strengthen ourselves,” Cruz said, emphasizing his readiness for this key matchup.
Fierro, on the other hand, plans to capitalize on Cruz’s vulnerability. “We know Cruz is a great fighter and has tasted the honey of the world championship, but I also want to try it,” he declared, showing confidence and determination to secure his place within boxing's upper echelon.
Both fighters made weight successfully before the fight, with Cruz weighing in at 138.6 pounds and Fierro at 139 pounds, which set the stage for what promises to be an intense encounter.
The WBC's introduction of the "Guerrero Azteca" belt adds immense significance to the bout. This title celebrates notable Mexican rivalries throughout boxing history, including celebrated encounters like Morales vs. Barrera and Chávez vs. De la Hoya. The WBC’s decision to honor the late Israel "Magnifico" Vazquez through this belt adds emotional weight to the fight. Vazquez, who passed away last December, left behind a legacy cherished by boxing fans globally.
Cruz shared his insight on his training process leading up to the fight, which included bringing former lightweight champion Cesar Bazan aboard to help refine his technique. He said, “We’re coming in very motivated. Motivation has always been with us. It's what has kept us afloat.” With Bazan focusing on enhancing Cruz's movement and jab skills, the fighter is gearing up to confront Fierro, who has a notable reach advantage.
The fight exemplifies the crossover appeal of Mexican boxing, with both fighters eager to deliver not just for personal achievements, but also for the fans who crave the high stakes involved when two Mexican boxers meet. Cruz is particularly adamant about showcasing his fighting style, saying, “People want to see two Mexicans face each other. They don’t want to see one chasing after the other.”
This showdown is part of a much larger card featuring names like David Benavidez taking on David Morrell and Brandon Figueroa facing Stephen Fulton Jr., heightening the stakes of the PBC Amazon event. The overall production promises to deliver a night of exceptional boxing.
The event kicks off at 8:00 PM ET, with the world watching closely to see if Cruz can reclaim his position or if Fierro manages to etch his name among Mexico’s boxing champions on this momentous night.
For Isaac Cruz, this match isn’t merely about winning; it’s about redemption. Having tasted the lows of defeat, he is committed to deploying what he has learned. “Every fight is different like every victory. Every defeat is new learning, and we have to get stronger,” said Cruz, reinforcing his resilient mindset as he prepares for the bout.
This match not only showcases the raw competitiveness of both fighters but also serves as a tribute to the rich cultural legacy of boxing within Mexico—a heritage neither fighter intends to take lightly. The stakes are high, and the pride of Mexico is on the line.