Rolly Romero was silenced for the second time via knockout as Isaac Cruz took home his first world championship belt.
Mexican star Cruz, known as “Pitbull” until Romero coined the ‘Chihuahua’ nickname during the build-up, did his talking in the ring. He wrestled away the WBA super lightweight title with an eighth-round TKO triumph.
After enduring pre-fight trash talk from Romero, Cruz established his dominance early, connecting with a left hook to the top of the head that wobbled Romero badly in round one. Although Romero steadied himself and valiantly survived the round, he could never shake Cruz with his power.
Returning with Ismael Salas for the first time since early in his career, Romero showed enough movement and ring savvy to push the fight into the second half. He also attempted to hold Cruz off of him strategically but was deducted a point in round five for excessively holding.
Despite these efforts, he was once again hurt late in round seven, this time from an onslaught that began with a straight right hand to the head.
Romero again showed his mettle by making it to the bell, but early in round eight, he was met with another onslaught of power punches from the hard-charging Cruz. This time, the barrage was enough to force referee Thomas Taylor to waive off the fight 59 seconds into the round.
Cruz’s dominance was reflected in the punch stats as he out-landed (129-85) and was more accurate (36% to 25%) than Romero.
Following being stopped by Gervonta Davis, this is Romero’s second humbling defeat before the final bell.
“I’m very happy and humbled to win this title for my family and for Mexico,” said Cruz. “I was prepared for this, and I wasn’t here to just fight. I was here to terminate him.
“But I did my talking right here in the ring. And I did this for myself and everybody here at T-Mobile Arena. There will be a Mexican champ at 140 pounds for a long time.
“I fought with the intention to leave the decision out of the judges’ hands. Mission accomplished. I am not here just to be a dangerous fighter. I now have a title that is backing me up. So, anybody that is available, I’ll be ready.”
Romero stated: “We gave the fans a great fight. Unfortunately, we came up short. I want to thank ‘Pitbull’ Cruz and all the fans who came out and made this a great event. I’ll be back.”
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