Getting his hands on the WBC interim title is a major accomplishment, but
Isaac Cruz wants the real thing.
When the 27-year-old won the WBA 140-pound belt against
Rolly Romero in March 2024, he didn’t think his run would be short-lived.
But it was.
In the first defense of his crown, he came up short against Jose Valenzuela. Since then he’s gone on a two-fight win streak. His fun, violent and aggressive style has fans wanting to see him, but it’s also grabbed the attention of his opponents.
Subriel Matias is one of the
many who consider Cruz (28-3-1, 18 KOs) worthy. A matchup between them isn’t on the cusp, but the current WBC 140-pound champ sounds like he'd welcome it.
“I like challenges,” Matias told FightHype.com. “I like this fight. I’m here to show the world that I’m an exciting fighter.”
Matias vs. Cruz has Fight of the Year written all over it, but the 33-year-old’s schedule is booked.
After losing his IBF title to Liam Paro in June 2024, Matias (23-2, 22 KOs) finally got that championship feeling back.
He beat Alberto Puello on July 12 at Ring III for the WBC 140-pound strap, but Matias doesn’t have time for a victory lap.
Instead, he’ll move right into a matchup against
Dalton Smith on November 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at Ring IV
underneath a David Benavidez-Anthony Yarde main event on
DAZN.Even if Matias hands Smith (18-0, 13 KOs) his first defeat, he won’t have autonomy.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman ordered the winner to immediately face Puello.