Pitbull Cruz Stops Bravo, Calls Out Garcia

Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz stopped Nestor Bravo in the sixth round Saturday night to retain his WBC lightweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">super lightweight title in San Diego.

Cruz dropped Bravo in the opening round and controlled the rough bout before landing a left hook in the sixth that ended matters, MMA Mania reports. Bravo failed to beat the count, though the referee appeared to count faster than usual. The challenger had been deducted two points in the first four rounds for repeatedly lifting and slamming Cruz to the canvas, and was warned he faced disqualification if the holding continued.

Garcia Accepts Challenge For Year-End Showdown

After the stoppage, Cruz called out WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia, who knocked out Conor Benn in his most recent outing. Garcia responded immediately, accepting a potential end-of-year matchup between the two champions.

Referee Thomas Taylor spent much of the fight warning Bravo for excessive holding and wrestling. Commentators suggested the tactics were a sign the challenger was looking for a way out against the superior boxer. Cruz had Bravo hurt multiple times before the finishing sequence in round six.

The Garcia fight would mark a jump to welterweight for Cruz, who has held the 140-pound strap since his win over Gervonta Davis in their rematch. No date or venue has been confirmed for the potential year-end clash.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Highlights! Pitbull Cruz knockouts out Nestor Bravo in dirty brawl, calls out Ryan Garcia (who accepts)