“We’re prepared. We’re ready to maneuver as much as 147 and tackle the problem,” Cruz stated.
He wasn’t simply speaking. Cruz has performed his finest work at 135 and 140, the place his regular stress, quick mixtures, and physique photographs have damaged opponents down over time. Transferring to 147 would imply dealing with naturally greater fighters, and most nights, he could be the smaller man within the ring. Even so, he has made it clear he’s keen to go up.
There’s additionally a comparability that helps his case. Cruz stopped Rolando “Rolly” Romero within the eighth spherical in March 2024 after steadily carrying him down. Greater than a yr later, in Could 2025, Romero dropped Garcia early and went on to win a 12-round unanimous resolution. Garcia has proven little curiosity in making an attempt to avenge that defeat.
That doesn’t settle each debate, nevertheless it provides Cruz an actual argument when he requires the combat at 147. He completed Romero inside the space. Romero later beat Garcia over 12 rounds. Cruz is now providing to maneuver up as a substitute of asking Garcia to return to a decrease division.
Cruz additionally pointed towards the WBC route, saying his crew will “maintain working in order that Mauricio Sulaimán can provide us the chance to grow to be champions beneath his group.” Because the interim WBC titleholder at 140, he’s already tied to the group, and Garcia now holds its full belt at 147.
If Garcia stays at welterweight, Cruz has already stated he’ll observe. The burden situation has been faraway from Cruz’s facet, and the choice now rests with the champion.
