Manager Sean Gibbons has told everyone about “Pitbull Mania," the fanfare his sawn-off Mexican fighter Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz receives wherever he goes.

It has grown since Cruz pushed Gervonta “Tank” Davis to the wire back in 2021, and arguably hit a peak when he left the T-Mobile Arena with the WBA 140lbs title after a one-sided beating of Rolly Romero last year.

“It was actually very sudden, the way that the ‘Pitbull Mania’ happened,” Cruz told BoxingScene. “But the overwhelming show of support is something that means a lot to me and I’m very happy to receive all the love from the fans. It truly is something that I don’t take for granted and I want it to keep going because it’s awesome. I never thought I would be where I am at such a young age, but that was always my dream when I was a kid.”

While Cruz, 27-3-1 (18 KOs), has been in camp, he is still at home in Mexico City. He said he and his wife, Itztlatoani, are a team, so even though he is focused on his rematch with Angel Fierro on Saturday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Cruz has still been doing his share of school pick-ups and drop-offs.

“Well, here in the house, my wife and I have made a good team in that aspect,” he said. “When I can’t go pick up the kids, she’s the one who helps me. Or sometimes I’m the one who helps her pick them up from school. She also helps me to be part of the distraction and keep focused on what we have in store for each commitment. My wife and I are a team. She’s my rock. We support each other and pick up each other’s slack. When I can pick up the kids and I’m able to give her a breather, I do. If she sees that I’m busy, then she goes.”

Cruz’s wife also takes his mind off the stresses of his job. He enjoys the distraction of family life rather than constantly focusing on the fight ahead, though he already knows plenty about Fierro. 

They boxed in February, with Cruz winning a decision in a good fight, although not one that “Pitbull” felt merited a return leg.

“No, we never imagined it or expected it,” the 27-year-old continued. “But when there was a conversation at the table, well, we didn’t doubt that we would be able to do it, because the first fight was very good. It was very attractive for all the fans. Then the proposal was put on the table, and considering that the first fight was amazing, then it just makes sense to go at it again.”

And although Cruz won their first bout – by scores of 98-92, 97-93, 96-94 – he is not taking victory for granted.

While there are plenty of lucrative fights out there for Cruz, he knows he cannot afford to look beyond the California-based Mexican.

“Well, I’ve always done it that way,” he added. “I’ve always liked to focus on what I have at the door. I’ve never liked to get ahead of myself. I’ve never looked ahead, and I’ve never stepped away from the moment that I’m living here right now. And that’s exactly what I’m doing now. I’m focusing on my opponent, and then when this fight is over, then it’s going to be time to sit down and ponder what’s next for me.”

As well as sharing a manager with Manny Pacquiao, Cruz is also sharing a bill with the fighting icon. It is the return of the 46-year-old – for the WBC 147lbs title against Mario Barrios – that tops the MGM card, and that presents Cruz with a historic opportunity.
“It’s amazing. It’s something that I’m going to be able to tell my kids, my grandkids, or actually anybody that wasn’t old enough to see me fight live,” Cruz explained. “So it’s something that I don’t take for granted at all, because it’s something that I’m going to be able to share. Fighting next to Pacquiao on the same card, it absolutely means a lot, especially at this stage of his career where you never know when it might be his last fight or one of his last fights. It’s truly something I treasure, and to be also a part of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, it means a lot to me as well.”

Can Pacquiao turn the clock back?

“Yeah, it’s not going to be easy, but it shouldn’t be overly complicated either,” said Cruz. “Pacquiao has fought against plenty of fighters in the past, and I think he’s going to be able to beat Barrios. He’s got a lot of different opponents throughout his career as an eight-division champion, so he can sort out whatever challenge comes his way.”

There are not many who share Cruz’s belief in his promotional stablemate, and while Cruz is full of respect for the Filipino, he won’t rule out an eventual fight with Pacquiao.

“We never say never as far as approaching that kind of subject, but at the same time we’re in two different divisions,” highlighted Cruz, who fights Fierro at 140lbs.

“He’s a welterweight, I’m super lightweight, so at the moment it’s not something that I’m even close to considering because of the difference in weight. But at the same time, it’s not in my style to say no, never.”

Cruz’s battering of the colorful Romero last March was followed by a disappointing loss to Jose Valenzuela. But while Cruz pivoted into the Fierro fight, Romero bounced back with an improbable upset win against Ryan Garcia in May.

How was it that Romero struggled so much with Cruz, but then was able to drop Garcia on his way to that win in May. 

“Because of the decision and determination, I had to make a great fight, and I knew it was my opportunity to do great things and be crowned world champion,” stated Cruz. “My determination and the decisions I made in order to capitalize on an opportunity that I knew was a very big one to be a world champion, I wasn’t going to let it go.”

Was he surprised that Romero then toppled Garcia?
“Yes, of course. I never imagined that Rolly would surprise Ryan with a knockdown,” Cruz said. “I’m glad that he [Rolly] got up after a loss against me. I never imagined being able to defeat him convincingly, so I’m happy for him and I’m happy for the fact that Rolly was able to get back up after losing against me.”

Of course, it was a couple of months after Cruz defeated Romero that Garcia popped for performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) after fighting Devin Haney. Does Cruz think there’s a PED problem in boxing?

“Look, we’re all pros here,” added Cruz. “We’ve got to be responsible for what we take, for what we drink, for what we eat. That’s the bottom line. In the end, you may one day be in a bad way or have bad luck with something, but you’ve got to own up to it. It doesn’t matter what it is. So, as long as you take ownership of what you do and you know what goes into your body, then it shouldn’t be a problem.”

And, for now, “Pitbull Mania” will continue to sweep through fight cities.

“I’m all good. I’m very happy,” concluded Cruz. “I’m very thankful for everything that we’ve been able to do.”