Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz WBC super-lightweight world title defence under new trainer announced

Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz ready for title defence under new trainer Eddy Reynoso

Mexican superstar and Interim WBC Super Lightweight Champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will return to the ring and defend his title against once-beaten Puerto Rican contender Nestor Bravo in the 12-round main event streaming live on DAZN and presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, September 19 from Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.

Plus, rising Mexican star and Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. takes on unbeaten mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov in a high-stakes co-main event showdown of action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

One of Mexico’s biggest boxing stars, the former 140-pound world champion Cruz will enter the ring for the first time under the guidance of renowned trainer Eddy Reynoso. Cruz will bring his signature all-action style to the ring in San Diego for the first time against the upset-minded Bravo, after drawing huge crowds across fights in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Antonio.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

“Mexican star Isaac ’Pitbull’ Cruz is an established must-see attraction, and combined with the highly-touted phenom Jesús Ramos Jr. competing on the card, Saturday, September 19 shapes up to be a can’t miss fight for San Diego’s passionate Mexican boxing fanbase,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “These bouts on DAZN will feature these two still ascendant stars in highly-competitive matchups as the skilled and determined Bravo and undefeated Nursultanov look to make their own names on the big stage.”

“Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz is one of boxing’s most exciting and recognizable stars, and his all-action style makes every appearance must-see,” said Britton Hardin, Head of Boxing, North America at DAZN. “His title defense against Nestor Bravo promises an action-packed main event, while Jesús Ramos Jr. faces a major test against an unbeaten mandatory challenger in the co-main event. This is exactly the type of competitive, high-stakes card that DAZN and Premier Boxing Champions are committed to delivering to fight fans.”

 ISAAC CRUZ vs NESTOR BRAVO 

After a hard-fought draw against Lamont Roach Jr. last December, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will look to thrill his impassioned fanbase once again as he competes in the 12-round main event against the veteran Puerto Rican contender Nestor Bravo.

Buoyed on by his adoring fans, Cruz (28-3-2, 18 KOs) became a world champion in March 2024 as he hurt Rolly Romero badly in round one before eventually ending the fight in round eight via TKO to claim the WBA title. Prior to dropping Roach on his way to the draw, Cruz bounced back from a loss to Jose Valenzuela by out-slugging countryman Angel Fierro in February 2025 before turning away Omar Salcido by unanimous decision in July.

A native of Mexico City, Cruz shot up the rankings in 2020, announcing his presence with an electrifying first-round knockout over veteran Diego Magdaleno in October before adding dominant decisions over Francisco Vargas and Jose Matias Romero. This rise led to the 28-year-old challenging undefeated superstar Gervonta Davis in December 2021, a fight that saw Cruz lose by decision to become just the second fighter at the time to see the final bell against Davis. Cruz also owns stoppage wins over former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa and veteran contender Eduardo Ramirez, in addition to a 12-round decision over the then-unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera.

“I am extremely motivated to return to the ring on September 19,” said Cruz. “I know that Bravo is very hungry and hoping to pull off the upset, but I also have a very clear goal, to keep proving that I belong among the elite.”

The 32-year-old Bravo (24-1, 17 KOs) delivered a statement victory and showed of his considerable power in his last outing as he scored a sensational one-punch knockout over Pedro Campa in January. The triumph was a bounce back effort for Bravo, who had previously been on the wrong end of a narrow split decision against Xolisani Ndongeni in March 2025.

A native of Arecibo, Puerto Rico had racked up an unbeaten record across 23 fights since turning pro in February 2015, with considerable experience on U.S. cards while on the rise. He’s shown his boxing acumen and durability in a pair of 10-round unanimous decision victories over veteran contenders Will Madera and Jose Gallegos. In addition, Bravo was an accomplished Puerto Rican amateur who owns a win over former world champion and Olympic gold medalist Robson Concecaio.

“September 19 is gonna be a classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico showdown,” said Bravo. “I’m very grateful to my team, and everyone who made this incredible event possible. I’m facing a tough, aggressive fighter who comes forward and likes to engage. But I have all the skills and versatility to win by any means necessary. We’re preparing the right way, and on fight night Puerto Rico will have a new champion.

JESUS RAMOS JR. vs MEIIRIM NURSULTANOV 

Another Mexican star known for his all-action style, Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. announced his presence at 160-pounds in style last December with a bruising victory over Shane Mosley Jr. that won him the interim title that he’ll defend against the Kazakh power-puncher and unbeaten top-rated challenger Meiirim Nursultanov.

Still just 25-years-old but already boasting a deep resume, Ramos (24-1, 19 KOs) took home a unanimous decision over Mosley last December to make it four-straight victories after coming up on the wrong end of a contested decision against top contender Erickson Lubin in September 2023. A native of Casa Grande, Ariz., Ramos had worked his way up the rankings by defeating a slew of contenders including Brian Mendoza, Javier Molina, Vladimir Hernandez and an emphatic stoppage of the then-unbeaten Joey Spencer. Trained by his father Jesús Sr., and the nephew of veteran contender Abel, Ramos entered the Lubin fighting having stopped seven of his last 10 opponents.

“I’m super excited to be back in the ring and extra motivated to defend my title for the first time,” said Ramos. “I know my opponent has a lot of experience and has been waiting for his opportunity. He’s a hungry and dangerous fighter, so we’re expecting the best version of him on September 19.”

Looking to follow in the footsteps of countryman and former middleweight star Gennadiy Golovkin, Nursultanov (20-0, 11 KOs) will return to fight stateside for the first time since 2019 with an opportunity to catapult himself to the upper echelon of the sport with a victory. Originally from Ayagoz, Kazakhstan, Nursultanov now trains in Southern California as he looks to be the next Eastern European star to come out west and make his name inside the ring.

The 32-year-old’s last fight was his first going the 12-round distance, as he won by a wide margin on the cards against then once-beaten Julio Alamos. A pro since 2016, he’s also best veteran contenders including Andrey Sirotkin, Marcelo Coceres and the previously unbeaten Kazuto Takesako.

“This upcoming bout is a moment I’ve been eagerly waiting for,” said Nursultanov. “Getting here took patience and relentless effort. Enough talk; I’m fully dialed in and ready to give my all. I’m bringing pure focus, intense drive and a hunger for victory.”