Isaac Cruz Vs. Lamont Roach Jr. Preview

Pre-Fight

“I’m used to people talking their stuff before they step into the ring and then we see what happens. All I can say is I’m gonna show him the same way I showed Rolly. If you talk before the fight, then you’ll see inside the ring that trash talk goes by the wayside. In the end, I’m gonna come out on top,” Cruz stated

“If I don’t [knock him out], I promise you it’s gonna be the worst he ever got beat – ever, worst. The thing that he does well is punch hard for all 12 rounds. That’s about it. A lotta people don’t know that he has a good sense of timing. … We study him, so like he has a good sense of timing that probably some people don’t pick up on until they probably either get hit with one of those shots. And by the time you get hit with one of those shots it’s a little too late. But that’s what he does well,” Roach said

The Approach

Cruz’s objective is to cut off the ring, close the distance, and overwhelm Roach with combinations. As Roach attempts to circle out, Cruz will guide him toward the ropes, forcing him to fight in tight spaces. Once Roach is pinned, Cruz unleashes looping combinations. To drain Roach’s movement, Cruz will launch attacks on the midsection. This tactic is key to slowing down the slicker opponent and making him physically feel the effects of moving up a weight class. While Cruz is primarily an aggressor, he is a dangerous counter-puncher when his opponent throws first.

Roach Jr.’s game plan will focus on his boxing IQ, movement, and a high-volume jab to control the pace and frustrate the “Pitbull.” Roach must rely on constant lateral movement and pivots to keep Cruz outside of his striking range. He cannot afford to be trapped on the ropes. He will follow the jab with a quick lateral step and a pivot before Cruz can counter with his hooks.

The jab is Roach’s most critical tool. He needs to land it consistently to score points, keep Cruz’s head up for straight punches, and interrupt the Mexican fighter’s rhythm. By sticking the jab, Roach can keep Cruz on the outside, forcing him to shoot from a longer, less effective range. When Cruz inevitably closes the distance, Roach must immediately tie him up in the clinch.