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Ryan Garcia confirmed on Friday that he will fight Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz in May in New York’s Times Square. Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez will also be on the bill.
Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) said Cruz (26-3-1, 18 KOs) is an opponent he’s wanted to fight for a long time, but never had the chance until now. Cruz was brought in for the tune-up to prepare Ryan for a rematch against Devin Hani in October in Riyadh.
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Cruz is a former WBA light heavyweight champion. He lost the title in his last fight to Jose ‘Rajo’ Valenzuela by split decision over 12 rounds on August 3
“Yes, in May.” We will fight there. It will be fine. Another big fight. I’m ready to do it,” Ryan Garcia said KO Artist Sport about how he fought Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz in May in New York. “Pitbull is still a great fighter.” He may have lost once (correction: 3 times), but the fans love him. He’s a big jerk.
“There were so many people in London and everyone was meeting Turki.” That’s crazy. Times Square, yes,” Ryan said of where he plans to fight in May. “Me and Pitbull have fought on many occasions. It never fell.
“I feel like this is the fight that the fans wanted for a long time until he (Pitbull Cruz) lost (to Jose ‘Rajo’ Valenzuela on August 3). I don’t think it should make a difference. He is still an explosive fighter. Rayo boxed a great fighter, so you can’t take anything away from him either,” Garcia said.
For the record, Pitbull Cruz has lost three times as a pro to these fighters:
– Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela
– Gervonta Davis
– Luis Montana Alvarez
It doesn’t matter that Cruz lost to Raj last August because casual boxing fans won’t be aware and die-hard fans won’t mind. They just want to see Ryan Garcia in action against anyone. For most fans, Ryan could fight with a cardboard prop, and they’d be happy.
“We’d have to find a replacement if he doesn’t win, but I’m sure he will,” Ryan said of Isaac Cruz’s fight against Angelo Fierro on Feb. 1 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. “When I win, I’ll fight him (Devin Hannay) again, beat him again.” Then I can finally leave it alone and continue my career. Maybe they’re fighting Theophilus. That’s how it’s going to go.”
There’s a good chance Pitbull Cruz could lose to Angelo Fierro next month on the David Benavidez vs. David Morel card. Fierro is a big shot, and he catches Cruz in a loss to Jose ‘Raio’ Valenzuela.
If Kerz is defeated, Ryan’s team will have to act quickly to find someone in a hurry to fight for May. One good thing Garcia has going for him is Turki Al-Sheikh. He’ll probably offer a top fighter the chance to fight Ryan, and they’ll jump at it.
