Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz quote from training camp for match against Gervonta Davis on Dec 5 Boxing News 24
Hardweight lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz has accepted a weaker role as he heads into the head-to-head with WBA Lightweight Champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis, who headlines the SHOWTIME PPV Sunday, May 5. December during a Premier Boxing Champions event from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
“I have proven time and time again that my passion and desire to win is too great to be ignored,” Cruz said. “This war will not be an exception. I will release my sadness and a brand new star will be born on December 5th.”
23-year-old Cruz was on a 21-match unbeaten streak heading into his first world title clash, including beating most recent champion Francisco Vargas by direct unification. on SHOWTIME in June. Now, as he prepares to face rapidly rising star Davis, Cruz brings his underdog lust into every aspect of his training.
“My motivation to stay in top shape for this fight is the most important key to me day in and day out,” Cruz said. “This is the fight I have always dreamed of. The work we do in the gym, the times I run and the conditioning exercises I do, are all driven by my drive to make the most of this opportunity. ”
The Mexico City-born player is the latest in his family’s deep history in the sport, as he follows in the footsteps of his grandfather Memo, his father Isaac Sr., his uncles Eduardo and Guillermo, and his brother Diego, all fighting professionally. Despite that family pressure, Cruz was initially really interested in the sport to keep himself on a positive path in life.
“Boxing has always been in my blood, but the main motivation for me to get into boxing as a child was to steer myself away from the negative stereotypes and influences in my neighborhood,” Cruz says. “I was six years old when I decided to invite my grandfather to the gym one day, and I really enjoyed it. The passion for this sport was born, and now it is just a troubled love story between me and boxing.”
In addition to his family, Cruz heard from legendary Mexican champion Julio César Chávez before securing a showdown with Davis. The conversation turned out to be not only foreshadowing, but one more motivating factor for Cruz to join this fight.
“Chávez told me to make sure I was ready in case a battle with Gervonta was about to happen,” Cruz said. “Then he told me I had the guts to beat Gervonta. The fact that he told me that said a lot about the strides I’ve made as a human being and as a fighter. “
Cruz will be looking to take advantage of the strong contingent of Mexican-American and Mexican boxing fans in Los Angeles, who are sure to be in his corner on the night of Davis’ skirmish. Despite that expected advantage, Cruz knew he couldn’t count on it to help him in the ring.
“I’m excited to be fighting in Los Angeles with all the Mexican fans,” Cruz said. “But I have to remember that in the end, Gervonta and I will have to face each other in the ring. Of course, that motivated me that I would feel at home. But I can’t let it distract me or trick me into becoming overconfident.
“Beating Gervonta Davis was the only thing on my mind. When I win, I know he’s going to want the rematch and I can promise that I’ll train twice as hard for that match when it happens. ”
Ticket for the live event, promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are currently discounted and can be purchased at AXS.com.
