Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz (23-3-1, 18 KOs) is set to return to the ring against Omar Salcido (20-2, 14 KOs) following an unexpected change in his fight schedule. Cruz was originally slated to face Ángel “Tashiro” Fierro, but due to health issues preventing Fierro from making weight, Salcido stepped in as a last-minute replacement for the highly-anticipated bout, which will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Cruz had previously earned a unanimous decision victory over Fierro earlier in the year, showcasing his explosive fighting style and potential for an exciting rematch. However, with Fierro out of commission, this new matchup is on the horizon, bringing significant interest for boxing fans. Salcido, who had been preparing to fight Brian Gallegos in the same event and weight class, quickly agreed to the challenge even though Cruz poses a considerable risk.
The contest has gained attention as the World Boxing Council has announced that the interim title will be up for grabs, potentially paving the way for the winner to contend for the championship currently held by Subriel Macías. This adds a layer of stakes to the fight, enhancing its significance within the boxing community.
In the lead-up to the fight, Cruz expressed frustration towards Fierro and his team for failing to represent the professionalism expected in boxing. He remains focused on delivering a standout performance tonight against Salcido, as he seeks to re-establish himself in pursuit of championship glory after his previous defeat to José Valenzuela.
The event is part of a significant fight night, featuring notable bouts including Manny Pacquiao returning to face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title, as well as Sebastián Fundora versus Tim Tszyu for the WBC and WBO super welterweight titles. This line-up promises to deliver a thrilling evening for boxing enthusiasts.
Boxing fans will be able to catch the action on various platforms including live-streaming on Disney+ in Mexico and pay-per-view options in the U.S. on Prime Video.
As the anticipation builds for Cruz’s showdown with Salcido, there remains an underlying hope that both fighters will deliver an electrifying match that lives up to the excitement of its predecessors, contributing to the dynamic landscape of boxing this year.