Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz would consider moving up from lightweight to super lightweight – but only if there was a direct world title opportunity against WBC world champion Regis Prograis, according to his father and trainer Isaac Cruz Sr.
“If there is a world title fight, that would be an option,” Cruz Sr answered to Izquierdazo, when questioned if his son was willing to move up to 140 and fight Prograis.
“But only if there is a real world title fight. We wouldn’t be interested in moving up, except if there is a world title opportunity 140, we would take it”.
Prograis, who recently captured the world title with a knockout of Jose Zepeda, is capable of making a voluntary defense.
“We would not discard that possibility (of fighting Prograis),” Cruz Sr said. “If it is for his world title we would take it now that he has the option to pick an opponent. That would be perfect, we would only move up to 140 in that scenario.”
Jose Ramirez stepped away from a mandatory fight with Progress after the proposed purse split was 65/35 in favor of the champion.
Cruz Sr. clarified that there were no ongoing negotiations or talks, but he also made himself clear that the purse split for a fight with his son should be better than what was proposed to Ramirez.
“We need them to put money on the table, to pay what is fair,” Cruz Sr said. “We won’t take the fight only for the world title opportunity, (we need the money) to be acceptable.
“It should be 60/40. And to be honest, I could say that even 45% for Pitbull, because at this moment he is a box office draw, and will fill any arena where he fights. The desire for people to see Pitbull fight is already strong and he sells tickets. If there is an opportunity, why not talk about it?”
BoxingScene