Mexican superstar Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and once-beaten Puerto Rican contender Nestor Bravo kicked off fight week events Wednesday with a media workout before they battle for Cruz’s Interim WBC Super Lightweight Title this Saturday, September 19 headlining live on DAZN from Pechanga Arena in San Diego and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
One of boxing’s most popular Mexican attractions, Cruz will return to the ring having recently added the renowned trainer Eddy Reynoso to his corner, and will look to thrill his legions of fans once again and deliver another Mexico vs. Puerto Rico classic against Bravo, who only has one split-decision defeat on his record.
The media workout also featured Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. and unbeaten mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov, who meet in a high-stakes co-main event, plus rising super middleweight Daniel “Iceman” Blancas, who faces once-beaten Sergio Jimenez in a 10-round bout, and Mexican Olympic Silver Medalist Marco Verde, who takes on unbeaten Guillermo Hernandez in the opening bout of action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event are available through AXS.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Escuela De Boxeo in San Diego:
ISAAC “PITBULL” CRUZ
“This is the start of a new era for Pitbull Cruz. I’m always glad to work with good people, and my camp is about preparation and good vibes.
“Fighting during Mexican Independence Month means a lot to me and all of Mexico. That’s why it’s my duty to put on a show and fight with pride on Saturday night.
“Bravo is an all-out fighter, and Saturday night is going to be an all-out war where I expect nothing but fireworks for the fans.
“Pressure is a privilege. It only motivates me even more. I want people to think ‘I’m about to see an explosive warrior give his all.’
“Fans are the spark that ignite me to give my all from the very first second of the fight. Now it’s up to me to spark them as well.”
NESTOR BRAVO
“I’m ready to do whatever it takes so that we hear ‘and the new’, on Saturday night. This is the opportunity I’ve worked my whole career for.
“I’ve been knocking on the door for the last few years. I’ve just stayed in the gym every day and stayed focused on boxing.
“I’m prepared for everything that Pitbull brings. He likes to fight, just like I do. If he does something different, then it’s my job to take advantage. We’re both going to try to push each other to another level.
“I’m a real 140-pounder that he’s going up against. I just have to be mentally prepared to capitalize when my opportunity is there.”
JESUS RAMOS JR.
“The greats before me were already building a legacy from a young age and I’m trying to bring that back. I want to face everyone in their prime and give fans great fights. That’s what I’m here for. I have the talent and skills to compete with anyone, and I work hard.
“I want to make this explosive. I’m gonna show everything and make this a great night of boxing. I fight for the fans and I hope Nursultanov is just as ready to deliver for them.
“I’m facing a tough opponent. He’s definitely a great fighter and has a good resume. The fighters from Kazakhstan have great technique and lots of experience.
“This is one of those big dates for boxing. I’m very excited to go in there and give a great show for the fans so that I can keep being a part of events like this.
“I learned in my last fight that I’m a bad man. I went into that fight injured and I didn’t care. I fought my heart out for 12 rounds against Shane Mosley Jr. I learned that I can dig deep and overcome obstacles. I’m a warrior.”
MEIIRIM NURSULTANOV
“We feel really good. I respect all my opponents and I know Ramos is a strong fighter. We’re ready to compete on Saturday night.
“I’m going to show the Kazakh style and the will we have to win. We’re warriors and we’re ready to take that title from Ramos.”
DANIEL BLANCAS
“It’s an honor to fight Mexican Independence Month. This is one of the biggest dates in boxing and fighting on this card is a huge opportunity. I want to show the fans what I’m capable of.
“I want everyone to see that I’m an up-and-coming fighter to watch. My style is fan-friendly and I like to bring the action. I like to fight and I’m gonna show that on Saturday.
“I’m going up against a tough veteran with a good record. He hasn’t been knocked out yet, so stopping him would be a way to show what I can do. That’s the goal.
“This division is wide open and I’d like to establish myself as one of the new faces at 168 pounds. When the time comes, I’ll be ready.
“Every fight I’m growing as a fighter and climbing the ranks. I’m excited to keep showing what I’ve working on in the gym.”
MARCO VERDE
“I’m very excited, happy and thrilled to be part of this great fight card. I’m going to put on a show on Saturday night.
“Being part of a fight card alongside ‘Pitbull’ Cruz is very motivating. I’m more than ready to rise to the occasion and give the fans a great night of action.
“Fighting during Mexican Independence Month is a great honor and a source of pride for me. Nothing makes me happier than having the support of the Mexican fans.
“I’m very happy to be working with Eddy Reynoso and his team. They provide me with everything I need, and it’s a pleasure to work with him and everyone who helps me improve every day.”
