Fans questioned whether Reynoso can fix Cruz’s defensive flaws after years of success teaching aggressive pressure fighting
Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz’s move to trainer Eddy Reynoso immediately sparked debate among boxing fans who believe Cruz’s biggest problems have never been offensive. The partnership raised questions about whether Reynoso can improve Cruz defensively after recent losses and difficult fights against skilled counter punchers at 140 pounds.
News broke on Thursday that Cruz will now train under Reynoso, the longtime coach of Canelo Alvarez. Reynoso is widely known for teaching aggressive pressure, body punching, and front-foot offense, which has left some fans questioning whether the partnership addresses the real problems that have hurt Cruz in recent fights.
Cruz is coming off a 12-round draw against Lamont Roach last December, a result that snapped his two-fight winning streak. Before that, he lost his WBA 140-pound title in a split decision defeat against Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela on August 3, 2024. In both fights, Cruz struggled defensively against skilled boxers who were able to control distance and land clean counters.
That history quickly created a reaction online after Reynoso’s involvement became public.
“Drug test him immediately,” one fan posted on X.
“VADA NOW!!!!” another wrote, while several others filled replies with syringe emojis and jokes referencing past PED scrutiny connected to fighters who previously trained under Reynoso.
Other fans focused more on the boxing side of the move, questioning whether Cruz risks becoming even more aggressive under a trainer already associated with pressure-heavy offense.
Still, the partnership gives Cruz a chance to rebuild momentum at 140 pounds after a difficult stretch that exposed technical flaws against higher-level opposition. Whether Reynoso can tighten Cruz defensively may determine if the move succeeds or simply turns him into a sharper version of the same fighter.