Isaac Cruz saw his value soar even in defeat the last time he played at this venue.
The compact lightweight contender came up short in a twelve-round unanimous decision in favor of Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis last December 5 at the Los Angeles venue formerly known as Staples Center. Davis had a ringside seat to Sunday’s Fox Sports Pay-Per-View at the site now known as Crypto.com Arena, in which Mexico City’s Cruz defeated countryman Eduardo Ramirez inside two rounds in the co -headliner of the night, playing to raucous applause. .
“I was ready to win at all costs, for my family and what better way to win than here in front of all the great fans in Los Angeles,” Cruz said after the victory, before setting his sights on his former conqueror. he wants the rematch with Gervonta Davis. That’s what these fans want. I promised the knockout tonight and we did it.”
Cameras quickly cut to Davis (27-0, 25KOs), who smiled broadly, though he shook his head as he turned down the offer, at least for now. The reaction was met with a chorus of boos from the passionate crowd who were ready to root for ‘Pitbull’ as he headed to the ring on Sunday, enjoying a similar reception both before and after his fight with Davis nine months ago.
Cruz was equally well received in his previous fight this year, a fifth-round one-sided knockout of Yuriorkis Gamboa on April 16 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. After Sunday’s performance and reaction, it’s clear the 24-year-old slugger has quickly emerged as a cult favorite within the sport and the perfect starter for the second straight time before a Pay-Per-View headliner. It’s even sweeter when the night ends in victory.
“I am very grateful to everyone who came to support me. I am ready to give my all every time thanks to that fantastic support.”
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
