Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz Wins Interim WBC Light Welterweight Title, Calls Out Subriel Matias

Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz wants an immediate title shot against Subriel Matias for his WBC light welterweight belt after capturing the interim 140-lb belt with that organization last Saturday, beating replacement opponent Omar Salcido by a 10-round unanimous decision at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

(Credit: Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions)

Cruz vs. Matias: Title Shot?

Matias recently defeated WBC 140-lb champion Alberto Puello by a 12-round majority decision on July 12th in Queens to become the new belt-holder. However, Turki Alalshikh has already announced that Matias will defend against #1 WBC contender Dalton Smith in November. So, leaves Pitbull Cruz with having to wait until 2026 for him to get a chance to fight the winner of the Matias vs. Smith fight.

Pitbull’s Zepeda-like Style

Cruz (28-3-1, 18 KOs) looked like a smaller, less voluminous version of William Zepeda, dominating the late sub Salcido (20-3, 14 KOs) with a high output. The scores were 100-88, 99-89, and 99-89. Pitbull fights a lot like Zepeda, but not as skilled as him, nor does he have the same output.

It was a strong performance by Pitbull, considering the level of his opponent. Cruz didn’t have to deal with his kryptonite, a pure boxer, like we saw in his loss to Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela last August.

Rayo made Cruz look bad, outboxing him all night and effortlessly getting out of the way of his punches. If Pitbull wants to avenge that loss, this would be a good time to fight Rayo, because he’s not going to get the title shot that he’s seeking against Matias any time soon.

Cruz: “I’m a World Champion”

“Now once again, I can say I’m a world champion,” said Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz to the media last Saturday night after beating replacement opponent Omar Salcido to capture the WBC interim light welterweight title.

“It would be something where people look forward to the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry,” said Pitbull Cruz about wanting to challenge Subriel Matias for his WBC 140-lb title. “I’m sure it would be a fight that the fans would love, and a rivalry that is enjoyed by everybody.”