In a significant development for boxing fans worldwide, Mexican sensation Isaac 'Pitbull' Cruz is reportedly set to make his return to the ring on the same card that will feature the highly-anticipated comeback of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.
Cruz, who has established himself as one of the most explosive talents in contemporary Mexican boxing, is expected to face Angel 'Tashiro' Fierro in a rematch. The Mexican star, who recently captured the WBA super lightweight title, previously defeated Fierro in February and will look to replicate that success in their second encounter.
While official confirmation regarding Cruz's participation is still pending, industry insiders suggest the bout will likely take place in July or August, potentially aligning with Pacquiao's return to professional competition.
The Filipino boxing icon Pacquiao, who hasn't stepped into the professional ring since 2021, is scheduled to face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight world title on July 19 in Las Vegas. At 46 years of age, 'Pac-Man' isn't returning for a ceremonial exhibition—he's pursuing another championship belt to add to his illustrious collection.
Historically, Pacquiao has dominated Mexican opponents throughout his career, winning 16 of 19 bouts against fighters from the boxing-rich nation. According to Statbet performance analytics, this upcoming card represents a perfect opportunity for Cruz to showcase his talents on an international stage while continuing the storied Mexico-Philippines boxing rivalry.
The potential inclusion of Cruz on this card creates an intriguing generational dynamic. Pacquiao represents boxing's golden era of the past two decades, while 'Pitbull' Cruz embodies the present and future of Mexican pugilism. For Cruz, securing a spot on this high-profile event would significantly boost his international profile, especially if he delivers an impressive performance against Fierro.
Beyond the titles at stake, this event could serve as a symbolic passing of the torch, connecting Pacquiao's legendary era with boxing's new generation of stars. For Cruz, it would be an opportunity to demonstrate that he belongs among boxing's elite and is ready for the sport's biggest stages.
