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Lamont Roach vs. Isaac Cruz Officially Set for December

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Sep 11, 2025 11:32 AM ET

After months of uncertainty, Lamont Roach finally has a dance partner. The 30-year-old Washington, D.C. native will face Mexico’s Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in December, according to The Ring’s Mike Coppinger. A specific date and venue are still to be confirmed.

The bout marks a turning point for Roach, who spent much of the summer expecting a rematch with Gervonta Davis. The two fought to a majority draw on March 1 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and Davis had initially activated his rematch clause. But in a surprising twist, “Tank” opted instead for a November exhibition clash against Jake Paul, leaving Roach without an opponent until now.

Isaac 'Pitbull' Cruz vs Lamont Roach is now a done deal for a super-lightweight fight planned for December, Mike Coppinger has revealed on @InsideRingShow. pic.twitter.com/Utos8YCsaP

— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) September 10, 2025

A New Challenge at 140 Pounds

Roach (25-1-2, 10 KOs) will step up to junior welterweight for the first time. Making it his third consecutive fight in a new weight class. While the move comes with challenges, it also offers an opportunity to cement himself as a serious contender in a division packed with talent.

Cruz Looking to Rebuild Momentum

Isaac Cruz (28-3-1, 18 KOs) is no stranger to marquee matchups. He pushed Gervonta Davis to the limit in 2021 and has since gone on a rollercoaster run. Cruz captured a world title at 140 pounds but was decisively beaten by Jose Valenzuela last year. Since then, he’s rebounded with two straight wins, including securing the interim WBC junior welterweight title.

The December fight with Roach gives Cruz another chance to re-establish himself at the top of the division while providing fans with a high-action clash of styles.

For Roach, this is more than just a replacement fight. It’s a chance to prove he belongs among the best at 140 after the Davis rematch fell through. For Cruz, it’s an opportunity to continue his resurgence and remind the boxing world why he remains one of the most dangerous pressure fighters in the sport.

No matter the outcome, both men enter with something to prove, ensuring that December’s showdown will carry high stakes for the junior welterweight picture.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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