Isaac Cruz Targets WBC Champion After Nestor Bravo

Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz is treating his September 19 fight against Nestor Bravo as the final stop before another WBC title opportunity at light welterweight.

The interim WBC champion will defend his belt in the 12-round main event. He wants the winner of the upcoming fight between full champion Dalton Smith and challenger Alberto Puello.

Bravo should provide the kind of aggressive fight Cruz prefers. The Puerto Rican contender likes to hold his ground, apply pressure, and trade at close range. Cruz normally looks far more comfortable against fighters willing to meet him inside than those who circle and force him to follow.

Jose Valenzuela exposed that weakness in 2024 by landing combinations before moving out of range. Cruz connected with only 23 percent of his punches and lost a split decision. Lamont Roach Jr. later showed another approach by standing with Cruz for stretches, matching his activity, and landing the cleaner shots often enough to earn a majority draw last December.

Both performances give Eddy Reynoso plenty to work on during his first training camp with Cruz.

Reynoso commonly teaches a compact high guard, small upper body movements, and short counters in close. His defensive principles fit Cruz’s forward movement, but only if Cruz accepts the need for patience. He has a habit of loading up on looping hooks, especially when an opponent takes a backward step. Missing the first punch leaves him poorly positioned for the return.

Bravo’s best chance is to use his longer jab, make Cruz reach, and place straight punches between those wide hooks. If the Puerto Rican gets drawn into a stationary exchange without first making Cruz miss, his physical advantages will mean far less.

“Bravo is a very tough fighter who always comes forward and likes to put on a show,” Cruz said. “I expect Bravo to come out with an aggressive mindset, but we have our own strategy to counter his style.

“I want to make a statement and leave no doubt that I deserve to face the winner of Smith vs. Puello. I’m also ready to face any champion in the division.”

The move from lightweight has produced mixed evidence. Cruz carried enough power to stop Rolando Romero, but Valenzuela and Roach both completed 12 rounds against him. Bigger light welterweights have also been able to absorb his rushes and answer without being physically overwhelmed.

Sustained output is therefore more important than hunting for one spectacular hook. Cruz remains dangerous at 140 pounds, but his aggression has not separated him from top opposition in the same way it did against smaller lightweights.

Teofimo Lopez, Ryan Garcia, and Gary Antuanne Russell offer lucrative alternatives. Still, protecting his interim WBC position gives Cruz the clearest route to Smith or Puello.

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