Roach Vows To Neutralize Cruz In Sat Interim WBC Title Fight

Lamont Roach says he worked out in camp how to “neutralize” Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz to stop his offense to drop him from his interim WBC light welterweight title on Saturday. The word “neutralize” It is certainly a symbol for Roach (25-1-2, 10 KO) to follow the blueprint established by Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela with the striking and moving style he used to defeat “Pitbull” Cruz by a 12-round split decision on August 3, 2024.

Rayo chart

Rayo looked like he had studied Vasiliy Lomachenko’s fighting style and made a fair copy of it. Roach is not on the same level as Rayo in skills, movement or punching power. So, it will be easy for him to repeat the same style.

Neutralize = hit and move

“Mentally, in my mind, I see myself taking control and doing the things I need to do We worked in the camp to neutralize the pitbull. “And he finally takes the fight,” Lamont Roach told Fight Hub TV of his fight Saturday night against WBC light welterweight champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz.

It would be a lot more entertaining if “Pitbull” Roach fights the way he fought Gervonta Davis earlier this year on March 1st. He tank-walked down and was able to overpower him with short arm punches. He would have achieved victory in that fight if the referee had not called for a knockdown.

“Tactics are what make fights. Every fight is different because every opponent is different. So, we’ll just have to get there and see,” Roach said. “I’m ready to be the best ‘Pitbull’ Cruz. I’m ready to be a challenge. I’m very in tune with myself. I’m very in tune with the world of boxing.”

Mobility is not his strength

Roach speaks in brilliant generalities, vaguely, and gives nothing away. It doesn’t matter that he’s trying to hide his game plan. He only has two options. Either try to walk Cruz or replicate “Rayo” Valenzuela’s stick-and-move style. Neither of them are guaranteed to work because he doesn’t match up to Cruz in attack, and his movement is not as good as Rayo’s. Cruz will get to him if he moves all night.

“I fully accept that just because I’m in the ring doesn’t mean anyone is going to take it lightly,” Roach said.