Roach, 30, surrendered his WBA junior lightweight title at the first bell, and the Washington, D.C., product embraced the clear home-arena disadvantage as Cruz, 27, entered to mariachis wearing his patented pitbull nose mask.
“They can’t wait for the ‘Pitbull’ to be taken off his leash,” announcer Mauro Ranallo said.
Roach owns a 4½ins reach advantage.
First round: Cruz charges in, throwing heavy punches. A hard left and right from Cruz lands, and Roach seeks to move and score. Cruz lands to body. Left hand for Cruz. Cruz intensifying pressure. Counter-left by Roach has Cruz off balance.
Cruz, 10-9