The “Pit bull” Cruz Achieves What No Mexican Has Done in many Years”

In a masterful performance, the “Pit bull” Cruz faced formidable challenges in the ring, showcasing his technical prowess and steadfast determination. His victory was not only a display of athletic skill but also a testament to his dedication and sacrifice.

Isaac Cruz clinched the World Boxing Association (WBA) super lightweight belt last week, securing victory over Rolando Romero via technical knockout. Nicknamed the “Pitbull,” Cruz achieved a significant milestone with this triumph in Las Vegas, marking the first time a Mexican has held the WBA championship title in this weight category since 1933.

The last Mexican to claim the title in the WBA’s 140-pound weight division was Jose “Battling Shaw” Perez in 1933. Hailing from Nuevo Laredo, Perez secured the championship by defeating Johnny Jadick through a majority decision on February 20, 1933, thus earning the title of the National Boxing Association (NBA).

In the modern era, beginning in 1962 when the organization underwent a name change to the World Boxing Association (WBA), no Mexican had ever clinched the organization’s 140-pound championship until Cruz’s historic victory.

Mexico boasts a total of seven super lightweight world champions throughout its history, but only Perez and Cruz have been crowned under the WBA. René Arredondo, Julio Vesar Chavez, Carlos “Bolillo” Gonzalez, Erik Morales, and Juan Manuel Marquez are among the other champions in the division’s history, though they attained their titles through different organizations.

The WBA takes immense pride in having a Mexican champion at this weight class after such a prolonged period and in contributing to the rich tapestry of one of the most significant countries in the realm of boxing.