Pitbull Cruz and Lamont Roach Battle to Controversial Majority Draw in High-Intensity Title Clash
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 07 Dec 2025
Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and Lamont Roach delivered a fierce, tactical battle on Saturday night—one that ended not with clarity, but controversy. Their 12-round encounter for the WBC super-lightweight interim title finished as a majority draw, a result that immediately sparked debate among fans, analysts, and fighters ringside.
One judge scored the bout 115–111 for Roach, while the remaining two saw it 113–113, producing a stalemate in a fight many believed had a clear winner depending on the style one valued—Cruz’s pressure or Roach’s precision.
From the opening bell, Cruz stormed forward in his trademark swarming style, looking to overwhelm Roach with volume and aggression. Roach, composed and strategic, relied on his jab, clean counters, and well-timed footwork, seeking to disrupt Cruz’s rhythm and make him pay for every forward surge.
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Cruz’s nonstop pressure earned him a knockdown in the 3rd round and strong rounds in the middle of the fight, where he trapped Roach on the ropes and unleashed flurries that brought the crowd to its feet. But Roach repeatedly answered with sharp right hands and crisp combinations—punches that, in the eyes of many observers, were the more effective shots.
As the fight entered the championship rounds, Roach appeared to regain momentum, landing the cleaner punches while staying just outside of Cruz’s wild hooks. Still, Cruz’s aggression never let up, making several late rounds difficult to score—a factor reflected in the 113–113 tallies.
When the majority draw was announced, Cruz lifted his hands in triumph—but Roach looked stunned. Many pundits believed Roach’s cleaner, more accurate work should have secured him the belt, while others felt Cruz’s tireless pressure and ring generalship were enough to justify the even verdict.
The controversy has already fueled widespread calls for a rematch. With no clear winner—and both men adamant that they deserved the nod—another meeting feels inevitable and commercially appealing.
Fans left the arena buzzing, split in their opinions but unanimous in one sentiment: Cruz vs. Roach was compelling, dramatic, and unfinished business.
If the first fight was any indication, the second could be even better—and perhaps, this time, decisive.
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