Notebook: Cruz, Fierro agree on little except rematch will be great
Gary Russell Jr. returns with hit list: Magsayo rematch, Tank, Roach; Pacquiao-Barrios PPV lineup; Canelo-Crawford ticket info; Quick hits; Show and tell
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When former WBA junior welterweight titlist Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and Mexican countryman Angel Fierro, both of whom are known for being in entertaining fights, met on the David Benavidez-David Morrell undercard on Feb. 1 in Las Vegas, it hardly came as a surprise that they engaged in a terrific brawl.
Cruz and Fierro battled in a legit fight of the year contender with the family of the late Mexican action star Israel Vazquez at ringside as the former junior featherweight champion was honored shortly after his passing. The WBC presented Vazquez’s family with an honorary “Aztec Warrior” belt that the organization created to use for certain fights between Mexican fighters.
Cruz and Fierro more than lived up to the expectations in their fight that was the sort of sensational slugfest Vazquez would have been proud to see.
Cruz won 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94 in his first fight since he lost a split decision and his 140-pound world title in his first defense to Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela last August. Fierro sought an immediate rematch, Cruz was agreeable, and Premier Boxing Champions and TGB Promotions obliged.
So they will meet again, this time in a 12-rounder, on the Manny Pacquiao-Mario Barrios undercard on Saturday (Prime Video PPV, PPV.COM, 8 p.m. ET, $79.99) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Naturally, the expectations are for another barnburner.
