T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas – In a lightweight clash, Isaac Cruz (25-2-1, 17 KOs) secured a twelve round split decision over previously unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera (21-1, 7 KOs).
The scores were 114-113 for Cabrera, 114-113 for Cruz, and 115-112 for Cruz.
During the fight, Cruz was penalized a point for using his head while Cabrera was clinching him.
In the aftermath, Cruz was in disbelief with the scoring. He felt that he clearly won the fight.
“I don’t feel like he connected with any punches, but they are the judges, and they made the decision,” Cruz said.
“I was superior tonight, but I do respect all of my opponents, and he was very good today.”
Cruz admits to being frustrated with Cabrera’s style during the contest.
Cabrera was holding often when Cruz came in close. He also had a big advantage in height and was moving around often – which at times made things tough for Cruz, who was fighting for the first time since last September’s knockout of Eduardo Ramirez.
“I was frustrated a little. He thought it was my birthday because he was hugging me all night,” Cruz said.
“I don’t know what the judges thought they saw, but the important thing is that I won. Cabrera’s height didn’t frustrate me as much as the fact that I was coming off a considerably long period of inactivity. That’s not an excuse though, and I still won.”
Cruz would still like to get a rematch with WBA “regular” lightweight champion Gervonta Davis. In December of 2021, Davis won a twelve round unanimous decision over Cruz.
The Mexican slugger believes a potential rematch would have a different outcome.
“I respect Gervonta, and at the same time I’m sure that I will have the opportunity to redeem myself. When that opportunity comes, I’ll be ready,” Cruz said.