Lamont Roach Jr. Steps Up to Junior Welterweight, Set for Interim Title Clash with Isaac 'Pitbull' Cruz

Lamont Roach Jr., having seemingly exhausted avenues for a rematch with Gervonta Davis, is slated to ascend to the junior welterweight division, where he will face Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz for the interim World Boxing Council (WBC) title on December 6. The bout, as initially reported by ESPN, marks a significant turning point in Roach’s career, moving him into a new weight class and putting him on a collision course with potential future titleholders.

Roach’s decision to move up in weight follows a contentious fight against Davis in March, where the two battled to a draw for Davis’ World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight title. Many observers felt Roach had done enough to secure the victory, and immediate talks of a rematch ensued. However, negotiations stalled, and Davis instead turned his attention to a proposed exhibition match against social media personality Jake Paul in November, leaving Roach’s team to explore alternative options.

"The rematch with Gervonta Davis was something we aggressively pursued, but the Davis camp appeared to have other priorities," stated Roach’s manager, Bob Santos, in a press statement. "Lamont is in his prime and needs to stay active. The opportunity to fight Cruz for the interim WBC title is a fantastic one, and we are confident he will seize it."

Roach (23-1-1, 9 KOs), a native of Washington, D.C., carries a seven-fight unbeaten streak into the Cruz fight. His sole professional loss came in November 2019 against Jamel Herring for the WBO junior lightweight title, a fight where Roach was outpointed over 12 rounds. Since then, he has rebuilt his career with a series of victories, culminating in the controversial draw against Davis. Known for his slick boxing skills and counter-punching ability, Roach will need to adapt his style to the heavier weight class, where power punching is often more prevalent.

Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz (25-2-1, 17 KOs), hailing from Mexico City, is known for his aggressive, come-forward style and heavy hands. The 25-year-old has quickly become a fan favorite due to his exciting fights and relentless pressure. Cruz also has a history with Gervonta Davis, having faced him in December 2021 for the WBA lightweight title. Despite losing a unanimous decision, Cruz gave Davis a tough fight, even fighting through several rounds with an injured left hand.

"I respect Lamont Roach Jr., but he is standing in my way to becoming a world champion again," said Cruz in a pre-fight interview. "I am training harder than ever, and I will be ready to bring the fight to him on December 6. My goal is to win the WBC title and prove that I am one of the best junior welterweights in the world."

Cruz’s path to the interim WBC title has been eventful. After the Davis loss, he notched four consecutive victories, including a win over former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa. In March 2023, he suffered a split decision loss to Jose Valenzuela in a fight many believed he had won. However, Cruz bounced back with two impressive wins, culminating in his victory over Omar Salcido to claim the interim WBC belt.

The interim title held by Cruz came into existence due to the WBC’s handling of the full title situation. Subriel Matias (20-1, 20 KOs), the current WBC junior welterweight champion, won the vacant title in February 2023 by stopping Jeremias Ponce in five rounds. He then defended the title in July 2023 with a majority decision win over Alberto Puello. The winner of Roach-Cruz will be in a mandatory position to challenge Matias for the full WBC title.

"The junior welterweight division is one of the most exciting in boxing right now," stated boxing analyst Steve Kim. "You have guys like Matias, [Teofimo] Lopez, and now potentially Roach and Cruz all vying for position. This fight between Roach and Cruz is a high-stakes matchup with significant implications for the future of the division."

The Roach-Cruz fight presents an intriguing clash of styles. Roach’s boxing skills and defensive prowess will be tested against Cruz’s relentless pressure and power. Roach will need to use his footwork and jab to keep Cruz at bay, while Cruz will look to close the distance and unleash his devastating combinations.

"Lamont has the skillset to frustrate Cruz," said Roach’s trainer, Barry Hunter. "He is a very intelligent fighter and understands how to control the pace of a fight. The key will be to avoid getting drawn into a brawl and to stick to the game plan."

Cruz’s camp, however, believes that his power will be too much for Roach to handle. "Isaac is one of the strongest punchers in the division," said Cruz’s trainer, Jose Santa Cruz. "He will break Roach down with his relentless pressure and eventually stop him. We are not underestimating Roach, but we are confident that Isaac will emerge victorious."

The fight is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, with the venue and broadcast details to be announced in the coming weeks. The bout is expected to draw significant attention from boxing fans, as it features two of the most exciting and popular fighters in the sport.

The move to 140 pounds is a significant one for Roach, who has spent the majority of his career at lightweight. The junior welterweight division is known for its physicality and power, and Roach will need to adjust his training and fighting style to compete with the bigger, stronger fighters in the division. However, Roach believes that he has the skills and determination to succeed at the higher weight class.

"I am excited about the challenge of fighting at 140 pounds," said Roach. "I feel stronger and more explosive at this weight, and I am confident that I can compete with the best in the division. The fight against Cruz is a great opportunity for me to prove myself, and I am determined to seize it."

The Roach-Cruz fight is more than just a battle for an interim title; it is a crossroads fight for both men. For Roach, it is a chance to prove that he belongs among the elite at junior welterweight and to finally capture a world title. For Cruz, it is an opportunity to solidify his position as one of the top contenders in the division and to earn a shot at the full WBC title.

As the fight draws closer, both Roach and Cruz are expected to engage in rigorous training camps, preparing for what is sure to be a physically and mentally demanding battle. The boxing world will be watching closely to see who emerges victorious and takes the next step towards becoming a world champion.