Interim WBC Light Welterweight Champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will defend his title against Puerto Rico’s Nestor Bravo in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) card on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
This high-stakes bout, which also features an interim middleweight title fight, broadcasts live worldwide on DAZN from Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California. Coverage kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT.
Cruz readies for interim light welterweight defense
This showdown pits the aggressive Mexican champion, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz (28-3-2, 18 KOs), against the hungry Nestor Bravo (24-1, 17 KOs). Tickets for the event went on sale today, August 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. PT via AXS.com. Fans can expect a night of intense boxing action.
Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, 28, from Mexico City, brings an impressive 28-3-2 record with 18 knockouts into this title defense. His aggressive, crowd-pleasing style has marked his ascent in the light welterweight division. He’ll look to maintain his momentum in San Diego.
Cruz famously moved to 140 pounds, brutally stopping Rolando “Rolly” Romero in the eighth round back in March 2024. That victory earned him the WBA title. It solidified his status as a legitimate force and a fan favorite.
“Pitbull” Cruz’s recent divisional journey
Cruz’s journey since winning the WBA title hasn’t been straightforward. He lost his first title defense by split decision to Jose Valenzuela in August 2024. This showed the competitive depth of the light welterweight division.
He quickly rebounded, however, securing the Interim WBC Light Welterweight title. Cruz dominated Omar Salcido Gamez via unanimous decision in July 2025 in Las Vegas. His last outing was a 12-round draw against Lamont Roach Jr. in December 2025, where he retained his interim WBC belt.
Cruz remains highly motivated for this upcoming fight. “I’m extremely motivated to return to the ring on September 19,” Cruz stated.
He added, “I know that Bravo is very hungry and hoping to pull off the upset, but I also have a very clear goal, to keep proving that I belong among the elite.” His focus is clear heading into this critical defense.
Nestor Bravo’s unexpected title opportunity
Nestor Bravo, a 32-year-old Puerto Rican fighter, steps into the ring with an impressive 24-1 record, including 17 knockouts. Despite his high KO ratio, Bravo is currently unranked by major sanctioning bodies at 140 pounds. This includes the WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF.
His sole professional defeat came in a split decision against Xolisani Ndongeni in March 2025. That loss snapped a 23-fight win streak for Bravo. He quickly bounced back.
Bravo delivered a spectacular one-punch knockout of Pedro Campa in January 2026 in New York. This victory is already considered a strong candidate for “Knockout of the Year.” That devastating finish clearly caught the attention of promoters.
The fact that an unranked fighter like Bravo receives an interim WBC title opportunity speaks volumes about the boxing landscape. It shows compelling performances and fan interest can sometimes lead to significant fights.
Bravo’s amateur pedigree, including a win over former world champion Robson Conceicao, also hints at his untapped potential. He’s clearly ready to make the most of this chance.
Bravo views the fight as a classic national rivalry. “September 19 is gonna be a classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico showdown,” he stated. “I’m very grateful to my team, and everyone who made this incredible event possible.”
He added, “I’m facing a tough, aggressive fighter who comes forward and likes to engage. But I have all the skills and versatility to win by any means necessary.”
“We’re preparing the right way, and on fight night Puerto Rico will have a new champion,” Bravo concluded. He’s confident in his ability to seize this opportunity.
Ramos Jr. vs. Nursultanov in middleweight co-main
The San Diego card isn’t solely focused on the light welterweights. It also features another crucial interim title bout in the middleweight division. Jesus Ramos Jr., “El Mono” (24-1, 19 KOs), will defend his Interim WBC Middleweight Championship.
He’ll face Meiirim Nursultanov (20-0, 11 KOs), who stands as the mandatory challenger. Ramos has found a strong footing at 160 pounds, having most recently defeated Shane Mosley. This fight, though, represents a significant challenge against an undefeated opponent.
Nursultanov’s long-awaited title shot
Meiirim Nursultanov has been the WBC’s mandatory challenger for the middleweight title for a considerable time. Delays from the WBC in enforcing deadlines and Carlos Adames’s potential move to super middleweight have kept Nursultanov waiting.
He’s finally getting his chance for an interim belt. This bout marks his first return to the ring since 2023. That’s a significant layoff for a fighter at the precipice of a world title opportunity.
For Nursultanov, this fight isn’t just about an interim belt; it’s about making a statement. He needs to remind the division, and the WBC, that he’s a legitimate threat deserving a full title shot.
His perfect record speaks volumes, despite the prolonged inactivity. This will be a true test of his readiness after such a long time away.
Pechanga Arena hosts double interim title card
San Diego’s Pechanga Arena, located at 3500 Sports Arena Blvd, is set to host this dual-interim title event. The venue offers an ideal backdrop for what promises to be an explosive night of boxing. It’s an important stop on the PBC circuit.
The card is presented by Premier Boxing Champions, known for consistently delivering top-tier boxing events. DAZN’s worldwide streaming capability ensures these significant fights are accessible to a global audience. This expands the reach of both the main and co-main event fighters.
The stakes: what a win means for contenders
For Isaac Cruz, a victory against Bravo is more than just another title defense. It’s a crucial step toward potentially unifying the light welterweight division. Winning convincingly keeps him in conversation for clashes against other division titans.
It could even lead to a return to lightweight for another major fight. His consistent performances have already garnered significant attention across different weight classes. Top fighters often take notice of his aggressive style.
Conversely, a win for Nestor Bravo would be a career-defining moment. Beating a recognized name like Cruz, especially as an unranked challenger, would instantly catapult him into the elite conversation at 140 pounds. It would validate his knockout power.
It would also prove he belongs on the biggest stages. An upset here would resonate throughout the boxing world. It would mark his arrival as a serious contender, much like rising stars seeking their own title opportunities.
Mexico versus Puerto Rico: a storied rivalry rekindled
The main event between Isaac Cruz and Nestor Bravo reignites one of boxing’s most cherished and intense rivalries. The Mexico versus Puerto Rico clash isn’t just a fight; it’s a cultural battle. It’s fueled by national pride and a shared passion for the sport.
These contests often transcend mere competition, becoming epic sagas over the decades. Bravo’s explicit mention of this rivalry in his quote highlights its deep importance to both fighters and fans. Fans can anticipate an emotionally charged atmosphere.
This adds another layer of excitement to an already compelling matchup. The history behind these national showdowns elevates the stakes beyond just a championship belt. Upcoming prospects often draw inspiration from these iconic rivalries.
