By Jim Calfa: In today’s final press conference, unbeaten lightweight contender Giovanni Cabrera let Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz know what’s in store for him on Saturday when the two meet in a twelve-round contest in the co-feature bout on Showtime PPV on the Errol Spence Jr vs. Terence Crawford card at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Cabrera (21-0, 7 KOs) appeared to have unnerved Pitbull Cruz (24-2-1, 17 KOs) with some of the comments he made today about how he’s doing to making him eat a lot of his punches on Saturday night.
Cruz knows what he’s up against in this fight, and it’s got him looking deeply worried. This is a much different type of guy than who Pitbull Cruz has fought lately, and he’s going to have to find a way to deal with Cabrera’s height, reach & technical ability.
Giovanni has the size & boxing skills to win on Saturday night, sending Pitbull Cruz back to ground one.
Cabrera is coming off a massive win over former amateur star Gabriel Flores Jr; before that, he beat Rene Tellez Giron.
It’s fair to say the 25-year-old Cruz has a lot of weight on his shoulders, needing not only a win but an impressive performance to try and earn a rematch with Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis.
Pitbull Cruz has arguably obsessed with getting a second fight with Tank since losing a close twelve-round decision against him in December 2021.
Cruz has rejected countless well-paying fights against top contenders to improve his chances of getting his badly wanted rematch with the superstar Gervonta.
Pitbull Cruz wants to prove his worth
Brian Custer: “Issac Cruz has become a fan-favorite ever since he fought Gervonta Davis, but he has his hands full because he has the unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera on Saturday night that he has to deal with. Giovanni, you’ve been a confident man coming into this fight.
“You’ve faced and taken down seven previously unbeaten fighters. Talk to these people about the confidence you have stepping into the ring with a guy who is known as Pitbull, who has made a living mauling his opponents.”
Giovanni Cabrera: “I’ve defeated more undefeated fighters than most people in boxing history. If you look at Pitbull Cruz’s first 20 fights, no disrespect. He’s made it this far, and he’s had some great fights against good opponents. Most of those opponents weren’t really good at all. I believe I’ve earned this spot here, and I believe I’ ‘m going to take this belt.”
Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz: “I have absolutely nothing to say to you. Do you know why? Because I’m going to come out on Saturday, and I’m going to prove my worth, and then I’m going to show why I’m worth a rematch with Gervonta Davis.”
Brian: “Pitbull, if that’s the case, how important then is this fight than how you look? In other words, do you feel like you need to stop an undefeated fighter if you’re indeed going to get that rematch with Tank Davis?”
Cruz is intent on making a statement
Pitbull Cruz: “I’m going to come here and do my job and send a clear message. I am not overrated. I am worth every penny, and I am here to show everybody what I can do inside the ring.
Custer: “Giovanni, what’s your response? He’s not overrated and coming here to send a message. So, in other words, he’s saying coming here to blow you out because he wants a rematch with Tank Davis.”
Giovanni: “Well, that’s fine. I’m 21-0 for a reason. Everyone I’ve fought has tried to take my head off, and I’ve picked every single one of them apart.”
Brian: “Can you give people some insight into what they should expect because there may be some that are getting the opportunity to see you fight for the first time, and now on this kind of stage against this guy, can you tell us what you plan on doing against a Pitbull?”
Giovanni: “First off, I want to represent Chicago. I have the Mexican blood inside me as well. I’m here to give it my all, put my soul on the line and make assure I don’t regret anything. Just give it my all and be proud of the account I give of myself that night.”
Brian: “What are people going to be saying bout Giovanni Cabrera after Saturday night after he takes on Isaac Cruz?”
Giovanni: “I guess his name fits him well.”
Cabrera to make Pitbull eat punches
Brian: “21 guys have tried, and none have been successful in beating Giovanni Cabrera over here. Tell us why you will on Saturday night.”
Pitbull Cruz: “I’m just a real Mexican boxer that is hungry to show what he’s worth.”
Cabrera: ” I hope he’s hungry because he’s going to eat a lot of punches.”
Pitbull Cruz: “Let’s see who can eat who’s punches, and let’s see who can withstand the most.”
Brian: “What can we expect on Saturday night, Isaac?”
Pitbull Cruz: “You’re going to see a very hungry person that is going to eat Giovanni Cabrera up.”
Giovanni: “I’m also very hungry, and I’m coming here to eat Pitbull tacos.”
Brian: “That’s what we have in the co-main. People eating tacos, and it’s on Showtime PPV.”
