Cruz knocks Roach down, loses a point deduction – and in the end the dispute over the controversial draw in the light-welterweight division escalates.
Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz defended his interim WBC light-welterweight title after an intense and high-class duel against former world champion Lamont Roach – but the result provided plenty to talk about. After twelve electrifying rounds in the main event of the PBC pay-per-view card at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, the fight ended in a majority draw: one scorecard saw Cruz ahead 115:111, two others scored it 113:113.
The brawny Mexican Cruz (28-3-2, 18 knockouts) stepped on the gas right from the start and let himself be propelled forward by the vociferous crowd. Roach (25-1-3, 10 knockouts) immediately showed that he was not only technically superior, but was also prepared to engage in an exchange of blows. Cruz made a clear statement in round three: A clean left hook forced Roach to the floor with a right hand – official knockdown.
“I knew he would stop and fight me in the infight. But I can also box – people forget that,” Cruz explained confidently. Roach paid tribute to his opponent: “Hats off to ‘Pitbull’. He’s a great champion himself. I gave the fans a great fight. Back to the drawing board.”
The fight took a turn for the worse in round seven when referee James Green deducted a point from Cruz for low blows – a decision that led to heated discussions afterwards. Roach took advantage of the momentum, positioned himself more cleverly and landed precise punches, while Cruz increasingly fizzled out as he moved forward.
Roach was frustrated after the verdict: “All I want is fairness. I deserved a narrow victory. I don’t accept this result – for me it was a clear, narrow victory.” Cruz saw it completely differently: “I did my job. The ref was on his side, as were the judges. Everyone in San Antonio saw that I won. Of course I’ll do a rematch – but with a different referee.”