ESPN reports the WBC interim light welterweight champion is being lined up to defend his title against Puerto Rico’s Néstor Bravo in Arizona or California
ESPN’s Salvador Rodriguez reported that Cruz is being targeted to face Puerto Rico’s Néstor Bravo in a light welterweight bout on Sept. 19 in the United States. Arizona and California are being discussed as potential host states, although no official announcement has been made.
Bravo (24-1, 17 KOs) has quietly worked his way into contention with a string of victories since suffering the lone defeat of his career. The 31-year-old Puerto Rican would receive the biggest opportunity of his professional career against the former world champion.
Pitbull Cruz (28-3-2, 18 KOs) comes into the proposed fight as the WBC interim light welterweight champion. The popular Mexican is unbeaten in his last three fights, defeating Angel Fierro and Omar Salcido Gamez before retaining his interim title with a 12-round majority draw against Lamont Roach last December. He remains one of boxing’s most aggressive pressure fighters.
A Mexico vs. Puerto Rico matchup has long been one of boxing’s most marketable rivalries, making the proposed fight an attractive addition to the September schedule if contracts are finalized.
Salvador also noted that Arizona and California remain the leading venue options. Reports circulating on social media have linked the date to other bouts, including a proposed IBF bantamweight title fight between Jose “Chapulín” Salas and Michael Angeletti, though those plans have not been officially confirmed either.
Pitbull Cruz will be defending his WBC interim light welterweight title, while Bravo has an opportunity to claim the biggest victory of his career.