Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz successfully retained his WBCP interim super-lightweight title against Lamont Roach Jr.

Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz successfully retained his WBCP interim super-lightweight title against Lamont Roach Jr., further intertwining the careers of three elite fighters who know each other all too well inside the ring.

Cruz and Roach fought to a hard-fought draw, echoing Roach’s earlier stalemate with Gervonta “Tank” Davis, while Cruz previously came up short against Davis in their December 2021 showdown. With Davis having not competed since his bout with Roach nine months ago, a potential three-way collision involving Cruz, Roach, and Davis in 2026 remains a realistic possibility should Davis return to the sport.

Known as one of boxing’s most relentless pressure fighters, Cruz has now felt the power of both Roach and the more widely feared Davis. In an interview with ESPN KnockOut, Cruz was asked to compare the punching power of the two.

“They’re similar,” Cruz said. “Roach hits hard, but it’s not a punch where you think, ‘Oh no.’ It’s not shocking or devastating. He landed clean and accurate shots, but at no point did I feel hurt. On the contrary, I kept moving forward instead of backing up.”

While Cruz applied constant pressure during their December 6 bout in San Antonio, Roach found success with his counter-punching, timing Cruz’s advances effectively. However, momentum briefly swung in Cruz’s favor in Round 3, when a sharp left hook sent Roach’s glove to the canvas, prompting referee James Green to issue a count.

Davis, by contrast, remains renowned for his elite timing and concussive power, having scored 28 knockouts in 30 career victories. His fight with Roach was also marred by controversy, when a clear knockdown was ruled a slip by referee Steve Willis. Davis later explained he had taken a knee because hair product had run into his eyes—an explanation that sparked widespread debate.

As all three fighters continue to orbit the top of the super-lightweight and lightweight divisions, unfinished business and lingering controversy suggest that future clashes could define the next chapter of their careers.