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Lightweight contender Isaac Cruz of Mexico is motivated to become a world champion in 2022.
Earlier this month, Cruz was involved in the most high profile fight of his career – when he lost a competitive twelve round unanimous decision to WBA “regular” champion Gervonta Davis.
Cruz became only the second fighter to last the full distance with Davis, who knocked out nearly every opponent on his unbeaten record. The fight headlined a Showtime Pay-Per-View card from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Cruz accepted the fight on late notice after Davis’ original opponent, Rolando Romero, was pulled from the PPV due to a sexual assault allegation.
In the last few weeks, Cruz has exchanged words with unbeaten contender Ryan Garcia.
Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs) has been out of the ring since January, when he knocked out Luke Campbell to capture the WBC’s interim-title at 135-pounds.
The belt was later vacated, when Garcia took a break from the sport to focus on improving his mental health. He was then scheduled to face Joseph Diaz, but later withdrew with a training injury.
Because Garcia has a history of withdrawing from planned bouts, Cruz (22-2-1, 15 KOs) is not holding his breath on the contest actually coming off. On the other hand, he’s ready and willing to face Garcia in the ring.
“We are preparing to give you a new world champion in 2022. And we are going to give it to Mexico and you are going to be witnesses,” said Cruz.
“Starting in 2022, we are going to resume training to see if there can be a possible fight with Ryan [Garcia]. If not, we will be deal with whoever it is.”