SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 19: Isaac Cruz celebrates after knocking out Nestor Bravo during their WBC interim super lightweight title bout at Pechanga Arena on September 19, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Isaac Cruz shook off fouls from Nestor Bravo and scored a definitive one-punch KO victory in the sixth round. Here is a look at the finish.
Cruz looked as good as he has in years in this fight. Bravo was out of his depth early. He was unable to take advantage of his length and height advantage. Instead, Cruz closed distance and landed power shots before landing the telling blow.
Cruz vs. Bravo Key Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Main event | Isaac Cruz vs. Nestor Bravo |
| At stake | Interim WBC super lightweight title |
| Distance | 12 rounds |
| Date | Saturday, September 19, 2026 |
| Venue | Pechanga Arena, San Diego, California |
| Broadcast | DAZN, from 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT |
| Promoters | Premier Boxing Champions and TGB Promotions |
| Cruz | 28-3-2, 18 KOs, age 28, Mexico City, 5-foot-4, 63.5-inch reach |
| Bravo | 24-1, 17 KOs, age 32, Arecibo, Puerto Rico, 5-foot-9, 70-inch reach |
| Co-feature | Jesus Ramos Jr. vs. Meiirim Nursultanov, interim WBC middleweight title |
| Cruz’s corner | Eddy Reynoso, first fight together |
Cruz has a lot of potential options. He could look to challenge fighters like Keyshawn Davis, Shakur Stevenson and others in the weight range. Cruz’s style and growing Mexican following increase his options and position him for a good opportunity.
Cruz won the interim belt against Omar Salcido in July 2025. He drew with Lamont Roach Jr. in December in his first defense. So this clear victory is a major statement for Cruz.
Jesus Ramos Jr.-Meiirim Nursultanov was scratched at the weigh-in and will be rescheduled. Even without that fight, the card delivered for hardcore boxing fans.
Cruz vs. Bravo Full Card Results
| Card | Division | Bout | Winner | Method | Round |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main | Super lightweight, 12 rds, interim WBC title | Isaac Cruz vs. Nestor Bravo | Cruz | KO | Round 6 |
| Main | Super middleweight | Daniel Blancas vs. Sergio Jimenez | Blancas | TKO | Round 7 |
| Main | Middleweight | Marco Verde vs. Guillermo Hernandez | Verde | TKO | Round 5 |
| Prelim | Middleweight, 10 rds | Eumir Marcial vs. Omar Ulises Huerta | Murcial | KO | Round 3 |
Verde is the guy Canelo Alvarez told me was the next face of Mexican boxing. So far so good as Verde stays undefeated with a crushing TKO victory over Guillermo Hernandez.
More Boxing Coverage
While some of the combat sports world may have been pre-occupied with UFC 331 and the Chrisean Rock event, but Cruz’ and the other winners on his card delivered a night of great boxing action.
How often do we see a boxing event end with KOs or TKOs in every main card fight? It’s very rare, but on brand for Cruz and the others on the card.

Leave a comment