Who is Nestor Bravo?

Things you didn't know about Nestor Bravo

Nestor Bravo (24-1, 17 KOs) challenges Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz (28-3-2, 18 KOs) for his WBC Interim lightweight title on Saturday, September 19, live on DAZN, from Pechanga Arena in San Diego, promoted by Premier Boxing Champions.

Cruz is a former WBA world super-lightweight champion with an army of fans, amassed due to his exciting, all-action style of fighting. Bravo has also gathered a sizeable collection of supporters as he graduated from humble beginnings in Puerto Rico to big events in America.

Despite delivering highlight reel KOs on the big stage, there's still a lot people don't know about the Boricuas, so GBN have listed a whole hose of interesting facts about him here.

Who is Nestor Bravo?

Nestor José Bravo Velazquez was born October 6, 1993 in Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

He accumulated a 62-8-8 amateur record.

As a youngster, he played baseball and boxing, but he chose the ring over the diamond.

He became a Florida P.A.L. State Champion (2004–2009) and won Junior Olympic State gold, Pre-Olympic gold in Trinidad & Tobago (2012), multiple Regional Championships, and won silver at the Wilfredo Gómez Cup.

In the 2011 José "Cheo" Aponte International final, Bravo defeated Robson Conceição — the Brazilian who would win Olympic gold in 2016.

He scored a first-round knockout in his pro debut in February 2015, aged 21, against his namesake Nestor Ortiz. He went on to win his first five fights by first-round KOs, the quickest coming within just 35 seconds.

Within his first year he was fighting on Mega TV and DirecTV, the island's biggest platforms.

His sole defeat in his pro career came in March 2025 against Xolisani Ndongeni, a former IBO world champion from South Africa.

Bravo is trained by Angus Marksman and managed by Jerry Lopez, Jerry Bravo and Juan Ivan Orengo, who make up Kings Box Management.

He has won WBC Latino lightweight, WBO NABO and WBA Continental super-lightweight titles.

17 KOs from 24 victories equates to a 70% KO ratio.

Nestor holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and is a prospective law student.

The Puerto Rican is bilingual in Spanish and English.

Follow on Insta: @nestorbravopr

What have they said?

NESTOR BRAVO

“Saturday night you’re gonna see what Nestor Bravo is about. If you don’t know me, then you’re gonna know me for sure after Saturday night.

“I’m truly blessed to be honest. This is the type of fight that every boxer dreams of. I’ve been knocking on a lot of doors and I’m gonna take advantage of this moment.

“You saw what happened when the real Nestor Bravo was back in the ring in January. I’m healthy and at my best.

“Pitbull is a real world champion. I know what he brings to the table. But we’ve been preparing for everything. I’m going to be the best version of myself. I promise this fight is gonna be one of the best fights between Mexico and Puerto Rico.”

ISAAC “PITBULL” CRUZ

“This is another chapter in a great rivalry between two boxing rich nations. I guarantee we’re gonna put on a show and write another chapter in this rivalry.

“This is a new era for Pitbull Cruz. I can guarantee that the fans are going to get their money’s worth on Saturday night.

“This fight means a lot to me. This fight can be something that pushed my career forward. I have to win to go on and face the big names.

“My mind is fully focused on Nestor Bravo. That’s the only thing I’m thinking of. I want the fans to be the biggest winner of the night.

“I think I showed the division in my last fight that I’m not just a guy who comes forward. I proved them wrong against Lamont Roach. Now I’m here to prove even more.

“Bravo is a strong opponent, but I’m ready for anything. Whether it’s the first second or the final bell. I’ll be ready. We want to fight at the level that this Mexican Independence Month deserves.”