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Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz vs. Angel Fierro 2: Preview & Prediction

Originally posted on Fights Around The World
By Liahm O'Brien | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 1:58 PM ET

Regarded by many to be the 2025 fight of the year to date, February’s 10-round affair between Mexican super lightweight pairing Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz (27-3-1, 18 KOs) and Angel Fierro (23-3-2, 18 KOs) was a chaotic whirlwind that had all the hallmarks of an instant classic.

Contested for the commemorative WBC “Guerrero Azteca” belt, a title honouring the many all-Mexican slugfests already entrenched in the history books, the back-and-forth violence dished out by the tandem proved a worthy showcase of the proud boxing nation’s fighting spirit. Although Cruz scored a comfortable unanimous decision win (98-92, 97-93, 96-94), Fierro certainly lost no admirers for the bravery he displayed.

In fact, it was a fight so good it had to be done again, and both warriors have every reason to lay it all on the line when they collide once more on Saturday, July 19, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV. While Cruz will be looking to entertain the fans in typical ‘Pitbull’ fashion en route back to world title level, Fierro believes he has the tools to turn the tables and establish himself as something more than an action fighter. Whether the upcoming second act can live up to the first remains to be seen.

The Beginnings of Another Great Rivalry?

Having laid the foundations needed, the potential is high for another classic series between rivals from south of the border to erupt. If the first meeting between Cruz and Fierro is anything to go by, the duo collectively possesses the most important qualities required for them to each have their names alongside the all-time greats – overwhelming heart, an unrelenting will to be better than the man in the opposite corner, and a desire to entertain.

“It’s just about taking it round by round and winning each one convincingly,” Cruz said at Wednesday’s media workout. “We’re going to give a great show to the fans out here.”

It may not amount to the same level of prestige as the trilogy between all-time greats Marco Antonio Barrera vs Erik Morales or reach iconic status like the four enthralling contests between Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez, but there is a clear road for another set of Mexicans to take in order to make history. The question is, how far along the blood-soaked pavement do they want to travel?

‘Pitbull’ Cruz is a Credit to Boxing

In an age where trash talk and outlandish behaviour have come to dominate pre-fight builds, it is hard to view ‘Pitbull’ Cruz as anything but a breath of fresh air. Sure, he’s had his own share of run-ins in response to the likes of Ryan Garcia and Rolly Romero, but on the whole, he has let his fists say more than words from a Spanish speaker in an English-speaking market ever could. As a result, the rewards have been plentiful.

Since first debuting in the United States in 2019, Cruz has worked his way into the spotlight from his start in the prelims on the back of a relentless, come-forward style and never-say-die attitude despite his flaws. From stepping in on less than two weeks’ notice to fight Gervonta Davis and more or less save a pay-per-view in 2021, to making the move to his current home of 140 lbs. to knock out the aforementioned Romero, claiming the WBA world title in the process, the 27-year-old has endeared himself to the fans in a number of ways.

Not without low points and flaws, namely the lackluster split decision win over Giovani Cabrera in 2023 and surrender of his world championship to Jose Valenzuela in his first defence, Cruz for the most part, has treated the audience each time out. There is little to wonder then as to why the Mexico City native has been utilised as a key attraction piece in cards headlined by stars such as Terence Crawford and Errol Spence.

It is also unsurprising that a fighter itching for their own breakout win like Fierro wants to take some of this shine. Having found some success early in the form of a counter right hand in the first bout, he knows opportunities will be present in the second go-around. For the Robert Garcia-trained underdog, it’s simply a matter of taking them this time.

“I believe that I hurt ‘Pitbull’ in the third round and again later in the fight,” he said. “It wasn’t enough, but this time I’m going to leave no doubt and come out on top.”

Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz vs Angel Fierro 2 Prediction

For all of the very real success that Fierro had in the first meeting, he just as equally had very few answers for Cruz’s ability to level change and find a home for the left hook. Unless there is a significant tactical shift, one that would require Fierro to somewhat abandon his action-oriented style, it is hard to see a change to the result. Expect ‘Pitbull’ Cruz to again win a decision in another fast-paced masterpiece of violence.