Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz and Giovanni Cabrera have agreed to exchange haymakers in May or June.
The winner is likely to become the No. 1 challenger for the lightweight world title.
ESPNs Mike Coppinger confirmed the fight on Twitter.
A lightweight bout between Isaac Cruz and Giovanni Cabrera is set to take place this summer in the U.S., sources told ESPN, likely in May or June.
Pitbull is ESPN’s No. 5 lightweight. Cabrera is coming off a win over Gabe Flores with three knockdowns. https://t.co/jSGGuQYdMn
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) March 14, 2023
Cruz’s last loss came against Gervonta Davis, whom he lost in an extremely tight contest in December 2021. Judges ruled the 12-round contest 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 in the Tank’s favor.
Since then, Cruz hasn’t let the Davis loss define him. He was willingly to get a quick rematch, but then he opted for different opponents after Davis did not offer him a second bout.
Cruz, 24, then went on to beat two opponents far older and more experienced than him – 41-year-old Yuriorkis Gamboa and Eduardo Ramirez.
The WBC No. 2 ranked lightweight is likely to be fast-tracked to a title fight in case undisputed 135-pound champion Devin Haney vacates his belts.
On the flip side, Giovanni Cabrera is more likely to be the underdog walking into the showdown despite being unbeaten throughout his professional career.
The 21-0 boxer is currently ranked #8 IBF and clinched a unanimous decision win in his last fight, where he faced Gabriel Flores Jr in a 10-round contest.