Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz is gearing up for what could be the most pivotal fight of his career since suffering his first professional loss last August. This time, he's facing Ángel "Tashiro" Fierro on February 1, 2025, at the prestigious T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. With anticipation palpable, Cruz is readying himself not just to fight, but to prove he belongs at the top.
Cruz, who has spent over four months intensely training for this bout, is fully aware of the weight this fight carries. Not only does it pit two proud Mexican fighters against each other—a combination known for producing thrilling contests—but it also holds the honor of the Cinturón Guerrero Azteca, awarded posthumously to the late boxing legend Israel "Magnífico" Vázquez.
"Totalmente, para eso nos preparamos," Cruz stated during his public training session, emphasizing the mentality and grit he expects to bring to the ring. He noted, "Ojalá sea así para dar lo que merece la afición, una gran pelea y que la gente sea la ganadora,” underlining his commitment to delivering excitement to boxing fans.
His previous encounter saw him lose his world super lightweight title to José "Rayo" Valenzuela via controversial decision, marking it as the most painful setback of his career. "Es la derrota más dolorosa, no reprimimos, no criticamos las decisiones de los jueces, nada más que no estuvimos de acuerdo," Cruz reflected candidly about the experience. This loss has not deterred him but instead fueled his drive to reclaim his spot among the elite fighters.
Fierro, who is not as widely recognized, is nonetheless respected by Cruz for his skills within the ring. Cruz acknowledges, "Es un peleador digno para dar una gran pelea, muchos no lo catalogan bien, pero nosotros no, sabemos de su trayectoria de lo que ha hecho arriba del ring." The respect shown by Cruz speaks volumes of his focused approach toward this match-up, refusing to overlook any opponent.
Adding to the stakes is the historical significance of this fight, reminiscent of fierce rivalries past, pushes both fighters to deliver one for the ages. Cruz remarked on this tradition: "También Terrible contra Barrera, infinidad de peleas que han dado Tijuana contra Ciudad de México y que han sido marcadas entre las mejores a nivel mundial."
With the eyes of the boxing world on them, Cruz and Fierro are expected to put on quite the show. His father and trainer, Isaac Cruz Sr., emphasizes the importance of this match by stating, "Va a estar de alarido la pelea con Tashiro. Los estilos se van a acoplar bien y si no, trabajaremos para salir adelante.” He predicts the fight will be filled with fireworks, which only adds to the excitement for fans.
After finishing his training regimen, which had kept him laser-focused on this moment, Cruz seemed eager to get back to the top of his game. "Viene un Pitbull renovado," he claimed, hinting at the revitalized spirit and determination he is bringing to this fight.
While rumors swirled of potential matchups with the likes of Ryan García, Cruz remains focused on the immediate challenge. "Fueron rumores, quisieron meternos presión, pero nunca me distraje," he noted, reinforcing his emphasis on Fierro. He said, "En primera instancia es ganarle a Ángel Fierro… no me cierro a ninguna posibilidad," highlighting his willingness to face any contender who stands between him and championship glory.
Cruz wants to demonstrate not just the ability to overcome his last loss but to seize the victory his fans and himself expect. The fight against Fierro may set the stage for future negotiations, including possible bouts for title shots against bigger names. This fight is more than just about winning; it's about proving he is back and hungry for success.
Therefore, as fans and fighters alike prepare themselves for February 1, the buzz surrounding Cruz's return is growing ever louder.