Roach vows to neutralize Cruz in Saturday interim WBC title fight

Lamont Roach says he has been working in camp on how to “neutralize” Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz to shut down his offense to dethrone him of his WBC interim light welterweight title this Saturday.

The Rayo blueprint

The word “neutralize” is surely code for Roach (25-1-2, 10 KOs) to follow the blueprint set by Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela with the hit-and-run style he used to defeat ‘Pitbull’ Cruz via a 12-round split decision on August 3, 2024.

Rayo seemed to have studied the fighting style of Vasily Lomachenko and made a fair copy. Roach is not on the same level as Rayo in skills, mobility or striking power. So, it’s going to be easy for him to duplicate the same style.

Neutralize = Hit & Move

“Mentally, in my mind, I see myself in control and doing the things I need to do we worked in the camp to neutralize ‘Pitbull’ and finally take over in the fight,” said Lamont Roach Fight Hub TV about his fight against WBC light welterweight champion Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz on Saturday night.

It will be more entertaining if Roach fights ‘Pitbull’ like he did Gervonta Davis earlier this year on March 1st. He tanked and was able to outwork him with his short arm punches. He would have gotten the win in that fight had the referee not blown a call on a takedown.

“Styles make fights. Every fight is different because every opponent is different. So, we just have to go in there and see,” Roach said. “I’m prepared for the best ‘Pitbull’ Cruz. I’m prepared for it to be a challenge. I’m very in tune with myself. I’m very in tune with the world of boxing.”

Mobility is not his strength

Roach speaks in glittering generalities, is vague and gives nothing away. It doesn’t matter that he tries to hide his game plan. He has only two options. Either try to walk off Cruz or duplicate the ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela stick and move style. None of them are guaranteed to work because he doesn’t match Cruz on offense, and his mobility isn’t as good as Rayo’s. Cruz will get to him if he moves all night.

“I’m very accepting that just because I’m in the ring doesn’t mean anyone’s going to take it lightly,” Roach said.