Angel Fierro idolized Erik Morales while he was an impressionable, young boxer growing up in Tijuana, Morales’ hometown.

The Mexican legend’s unforgettable brawl with Marco Antonio Barrera remains in the back of Fierro’s mind as he prepares for what he hopes is his own iconic clash with a countryman. Fierro hopes he makes Morales proud when he faces Isaac Cruz in a 12-round, 140-pound bout on the pay-per-view portion of the David Benavidez-David Morrell Jr. undercard February 1 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Mexico City’s Cruz (26-3-1, 18 KOs) is more established than Fierro (23-2-2, 18 KOs), but the unheralded underdog recognizes this is the opportunity that could change the fortunes of him, his wife and two young daughters. Morales made the most of a comparable chance when he beat Barrera by split decision in February 2000 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, where they waged the most memorable of their three fights.

“When two Mexicans go up against each other, that’s a guarantee for a great fight,” Fierro told The Ring. “It’s gonna be a bloody war. You remember Erik ‘El Terrible’ Morales against Barrera? Sort of like that. It’s gonna be an historic fight – I can assure you.”

Fierro is as certain Cruz deserved to lose his last fight. He thinks Cruz made countless tactical mistakes against Mexican southpaw Jose Valenzuela (14-2, 9 KOs), who conquered Cruz by split decision to win the WBA super lightweight title August 3 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.

While complimentary of Valenzuela’s approach, Fierro figures he and Cruz will begin banging it out in the first round. That’s exactly the type of fan-friendly fight Cruz wants, too, after the difficulty he had keeping Valenzuela stationary throughout their 12-rounder five months ago.

“I just want people to see this fight, because it’s gonna be an all-out war,” Fierro said. “It’s guaranteed to be great entertainment from the very beginning, so don’t wait until the big fight. Come out and watch the [undercard].”

The 26-year-old Fierro dropped a 10-round unanimous decision to Dominican veteran Alfredo Santiago (16-2, 7 KOs) two fights ago. His only loss before Santiago beat him came against Chicago’s Alex Martin (then 14-3), who defeated Fierro by majority decision in an eight-rounder in January 2020.

Cruz, also 26, is listed as a 7-1 favorite over Fierro by DraftKings sportsbook. Neither Cruz nor Fierro are ranked among The Ring’s top 10 contenders in the junior welterweight division.