BY RYAN BURTON
April 7, 2024
Source: Boxing Scene
Photo Source: Boxing Scene
Don’t count Michel “La Zarza Ali” Rivera among those who were impressed by Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz’s eighth-round knockout victory over former junior welterweight titleholder Rolando “Rolly” Romero last month at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Despite a single scorecard to the contrary, the fight – which served as the co-feature underneath the Tim Tszyu-Sebastian Fundora main event – wasn’t really close, as Cruz dominated from the opening stanza.
According to Rivera, Cruz simply did what he was supposed to do.
“The whole world knew that Rolly didn’t have what it takes to beat Cruz,” Rivera told Boxing Scene. “Rolly is a terrible boxer – the worst of this era. That’s why Cruz beat him so easily.”
Rivera has been chasing a fight against Cruz since they both campaigned in the lightweight division.
A native of the Dominican Republic, Cruz made it clear he still wants to fight Mexico’s Cruz. But he doesn’t expect the fight to happen anytime soon.
“Pitbull knows that he is in for a real fight with me and knows I will beat him,” Rivera said. “That’s why he’s avoided me three times. He’s had the chance to fight me three times and turned me down every time.”
Rivera recently signed a promotional contract with Salita Promotions. He previously fought under the Premier Boxing Champions banner.
He was last in action in November, when he defeated former champion Sergey Lipinets via unanimous decision.
“If Richardson performs like that against Matias, he ain’t going to beat him,” Hearn said. “But he’s been through those horrible moments and he can recall that when it gets tough again.
“Although people will moan, particularly about the 117-111 card, they’ll appreciate the guts and nuts that Hitchins showed in there tonight. He was entertaining, which is what everybody wants.”
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