Isaac Cruz says he is not rattled by Rolando Romero’s trash talk.

But he is mentioning it a lot.

Cruz and Romero are the co-feature of a March 30 pay-per-view card on Prime Video now headlined by Tim Tszyu-Sebastian Fundora.

Cruz has been stoic through his media obligations in the lead-up to the bout. His opponent? Not so much.

Romero, the WBA junior welterweight titleholder, has been throwing his words around like thunderous power punches. Cruz, seeking his first world title, has had very little to say in return – until sending a stern warning to Romero during Monday’s virtual press conference.

“I hope he fights the way he talks on March 30,” Cruz said. “That is what I am getting ready for.”

This will be Cruz’s first fight at junior welterweight. A career lightweight with a frame (5-foot-4) closer to that of a flyweight than a junior welterweight, Cruz defies the norm. Nicknamed “Pitbull,” he seems to have not an ounce of fat on his body and, despite being four inches shorter than Romero and giving up five inches in reach, has proven to be a relentless pressure fighter.

“It is not that hard,” Cruz said of finding good sparring for the fight, after Romero said he would have trouble finding appropriate sparring partners. “Cowards who don’t really like to fight – I can find that anywhere.”

Underneath the surface are the most interesting elements of the fight: Many believe Cruz is the more accomplished fighter, despite his never having won a title. Both fighters have faced Gervonta Davis, who knocked out Romero in a highly competitive fight and who was taken the distance by Cruz in a close fight.

Cruz is on a three-fight win streak, having most recently beaten Giovanni Cabrera in a tight split-decision victory. Romero won his world title over Ismael Barroso via controversial stoppage when referee Tony Weeks stopped the bout during an exchange while Barroso was punching back. That was Romero’s first fight since losing to Davis via sixth-round knockout in 2022. 

“All I am doing right now is getting ready to shut his mouth, punch by punch,” Cruz said. “With every punch, he is going to talk a little less.”