The much-anticipated clash between Lamont Roach Jr. and Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz — billed widely online as “Roach vs Cruz” or “Cruz vs Roach” — has captivated boxing fans and pundits alike. Here’s a detailed, breakdown of the fight, the build-up, and what its result might mean going forward.
Build-Up: From Announcements to the Ring
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Roach, formerly the WBA super-featherweight champion, moved up in weight to challenge Cruz at 140 lbs — a risky but bold decision.
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The fight was officially announced as headlining a Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) PPV card on 6 December 2025 in San Antonio.
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The matchup pitted Cruz’s aggression and power against Roach’s technical skills and boxing IQ — a classic “pressure vs precision” scenario.
What Happened: Roach vs Pitbull Cruz (Cruz vs Roach) Fight Night
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In the fight, Cruz started strong, overwhelming early rounds with his forward pressure and scored a knockdown in Round 3, the first of Roach’s professional career.
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Roach recovered well. Mid-fight he adjusted his tactics — using a “hit-and-move” / counter-punching style, picking shots and avoiding heavy exchanges, showing adaptability and ring IQ.
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Cruz, meanwhile, continued pushing forward, though he was penalized a point for excessive clinching in Round 7.
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On punch stats, Roach landed more total punches (191 to 159), reflecting his cleaner and more accurate work.
Outcome: Who Won “Cruz vs Roach” / “Pitbull vs Roach”?
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The fight ended in a majority draw. One judge scored it 115-111 for Cruz; two judges scored it 113-113.
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As a result, Cruz retains the interim WBC junior welterweight title.
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For Roach, it’s his second controversial draw in 2025 (the previous one being against Gervonta Davis), leaving many fans and analysts feeling he did enough to win.
What It Means — Implications for Boxing, Titles & Rankings
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The draw likely stalls immediate “P4P (pound-for-pound)” status for Roach. Though he wanted a win to elevate his legacy, the draw leaves questions over his ability to dominate at 140 lbs.
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For Cruz, the result keeps him relevant and marketable: he remains interim champion and avoids a loss — preserving his value as a gatekeeper in the super-lightweight division.
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The outcome keeps the door open for a rematch. Both camps voiced frustration with the judging: Roach said he felt robbed; Cruz argued he deserved the win.
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For fans of “boxing tonight” and lovers of competitive matchups, the fight reaffirmed that high-stakes boxing isn’t just about knockouts — strategy, heart, and ring IQ still matter.
Final Thoughts: “Who Won Cruz vs Roach?” — It Depends on How You Value the Fight
If you favor clean punching, ring generalship, and adaptability, you may view the draw as a moral — if not official — win for Roach.
If you value aggression, pressure, and a knockdown, then Cruz may deserve the nod.
But perhaps the most honest verdict: this fight proved that neither fighter backed down — and both earned respect. In many ways, that’s the real win for boxing.
