Rolly Romero vs Isaac Cruz: Betting Odds & Prediction

Rolly Romero defends his WBA super-lightweight world title against Isaac Cruz this Saturday in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The winner will be well set up for a blockbuster clash later this year in a mouth-watering 140lbs division. The card is headlined by Tim Tsyzu's super-welterweight showdown with Sebastian Fundora.

Tale of the Tape

America’s Rolly Romero (15-1, 13 KOs) comes into the contest on the back of a controversial stoppage win over Ismael Barroso in May last year. The latter was in front on all three scorecards when referee Tony Weeks called a halt to the contest after a barrage of punches from Romero which appeared to have little impact on the Venezuelan.

Romero nevertheless boasts an impressive knockout ratio of 86.6%, with nine of his last ten victories coming inside the distance. The 28-year-old has just one defeat to his name following a sixth-round knockout defeat to Gervonta Davis in May, 2022.

Mexico’s Cruz (25-2-1, 17 KOs) meanwhile stands as one of the most avoided fighters in the sport after a narrow loss to the aforementioned Davis down at lightweight in December, 2021. The 25-year-old is known for his aggressive style and power punching, holding stoppage victories over the likes of Yuriokis Gamboa and Eduardo Ramirez.

Cruz boasts a 68% KO percentage, but didn’t look himself in his last contest when he narrowly beat Giovanni Cabrera by split-decision. He is now moving up to super lightweight after reportedly struggling at the 135lbs limit.

Prediction

Romero may have the better record on paper and comes into the contest as the champion, but it’s Cruz who is the favourite with the bookies on the moneyline. An interesting point of comparison can be made in their respective performances against Gervonta Davis, where Cruz was able to absorb Davis' power and go the distance, while Romero was stopped inside six.

Romero has shown his punch power again and again but has never really stopped a big-name opponen, while Cruz has shown he can take the power off hard-hitters like Davis. The American might start the contest well but the aggressive style and power of Cruz will eventually break him down.

OddsNow's Pick: Isaac Cruz to win via TKO/KO (5/6 @ Star Sports)

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