Isaac Cruz will defend his interim WBC light welterweight title against Puerto Rico’s Nestor Bravo on 19 September. The Mexican fighter, coming off a draw against Lamont Roach Jr, makes his first ring appearance under trainer Eddy Reynoso in a headline 140-pound contest.
The 140-pound contest is expected to serve as the headline attraction on a Premier Boxing Champions card broadcast live on DAZN. Fight organizers are currently evaluating sites in San Diego and Arizona to host the event. The matchup was first reported by Mike Coppinger of The Ring during an appearance on the Inside Ring Show.
Cruz brings a professional record of 28 wins, three defeats, and two draws, including 18 victories by knockout, into the bout. The former WBA champion is seeking to solidify his position in a highly competitive division. His recent move to work alongside Reynoso comes as he attempts to address defensive vulnerabilities highlighted in his previous performances.
Bravo, aged 32, enters his first world title opportunity after 11 years as a professional boxer. However, the Puerto Rican fighter has rarely tested himself against top-tier opposition. His sole bout against a widely recognized opponent came in 2025, when he suffered a 10-round split decision loss to Xolisani Ndongeni. Bravo subsequently recovered with a decision win against veteran Pedro Campa in January.
Despite earning this interim championship fight, Bravo remains unranked inside the top 15 by all four major boxing organizations—the WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF.
It is a low-risk return for the champion.
With Dalton Smith currently holding the full WBC light welterweight title, Cruz must maintain an active schedule while waiting for his opportunity to fight for the main championship belt. A matchup against a rising contender like Ernesto Mercado would have created far more interest and presented a stiffer challenge. Nonetheless, Cruz’s team appears satisfied to take a measured approach while he adjusts to Reynoso before pursuing bigger fights in the division.
