Home

Boxing

Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz Reveals Real Reason Why Shakur Stevenson Fight Never Came to Fruition

Published Sep 12, 2023 | 1:11 PM EDT

Follow Us

via Getty

Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz is a Mexican boxer in the lightweight division. He started boxing young and quickly climbed the ranks. He’s a formidable opponent known for his aggressive style and strong punches. Cruz has a robust win-loss record. He has beaten notable boxers in his weight class. These wins have earned him title-shot opportunities. Furthermore, there were talks of his fight with Shakur Stevenson. However, he declined the offer.

‘Pitbull’ Cruz recently broke his silence in an interview. He revealed why he declined the fight against Shakur Stevenson. This revelation shocked the boxing community. Speculation buzzes in the boxing world about the canceled fight between Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz and Shakur Stevenson. Fans scratched their heads, asking who declined the fight and why. What’s the real story? We have the answers.

Why did Isaac Cruz reject Shakur Stevenson?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Stevenson, the WBC’s mandatory challenger for the 135-pound title is on the lookout for his next adversary. Among the boxers who have rejected his offer is Isaac Cruz. In a recent interview, Cruz said he turned down the fight. Why? He believes Stevenson didn’t earn a title shot in the lightweight division. He said, “I think I don’t know what Bob Arum’s plan, Shakur’s manager, was, but I think he wanted to get there and then without breaking a sweat here within the division.”

via Getty

Furthermore, he added saying, “He wanted to ignore everyone, even my name, my job…And I did not agree to give him that great opportunity that he wanted within the division.”

Trending

Joe Rogan Sums Up Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul in One Line

Ryan Garcia’s ‘Superhuman Baby’ Proposal Turns Engaged Claressa Shields’ World Upside Down

After Comparing Mike Tyson to a ‘Snake,’ Evander Holyfield Warns Jake Paul: “Everybody Gets Knocked Out Going Backwards”

“He’s Not Stuck in Dubai”: Floyd Mayweather’s $30,000 Act of Kindness Towards Homeless Men in LA Raises Questions About Gervonta Davis’ Bombshell Claim

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury Stats Comparison and Prediction: Record, Age, Height, Reach, Weight, and Knockout Ratio

Read More: Shakur Stevenson Names “The Toughest Most Competitive Person” He Got in The Ring With

Moreover, Cruz also noted Stevenson’s limited experience in the lightweight division. He has only fought Shuichiro Yoshino. Cruz says that’s not enough for a title shot. However, looks like Stevenson doesn’t agree with Cruz’s viewpoint.

Stevenson retaliates with verbal slurs

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Shakur Stevenson’s views on a missed fight with Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz. Stevenson, an undefeated former Olympic silver medalist, wanted to fight Cruz. Cruz’s team declined, calling Stevenson’s style boring. Stevenson disagreed. He spoke on Instagram Live, saying, “Pitbull don’t want no smoke…I don’t run.” He pointed out his recent aggressive fights, including a win against Shuichiro Yoshino.

He emphasized that he has become more aggressive in recent years, even securing a sixth-round stoppage victory against Shuichiro Yoshino. So, he believes he would have beaten Cruz easily. He said, “Little dude can’t do nothing with me.”

Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz is a force in the lightweight boxing division. He recently turned down a fight with Shakur Stevenson. Why? Cruz believes Stevenson hasn’t earned his spot in the division. Stevenson disagrees, calling his own style far from boring. Both fighters remain confident, but for now, the match is off the table. The boxing world is buzzing, and fans are left wondering what could have been. The debate continues, but one thing is clear: neither fighter is backing down.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What are your thoughts about Isaac’s views? Feel free to share your opinions in the comment section below!

Watch This Story –  From Olympic success to one of the brightest talents in boxing: Shakur Stevenson’s journey 

Written by:

Tanya Tewari

426Articles

One take at a time

Tanya Tewari is a Boxing Writer at Essentially Sports. She has beautifully blended her love for the combat sport with her fondness for writing. She is especially interested in bringing out the different sides of a persona to the rest of the world.
Show More>

Edited by:

Bhavani Singh