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Welterweight Kent Cruz believes that with a new weight class, fight fans will see a new fighter.
Cruz, a Saint Louis native will face Dominican veteran Braulio Rodriguez at Casa Loma Ballroom on Saturday. Rodriguez is best known for his loss to Ryan Garcia and has faced top prospects, including Ashton Sylve, and Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz.
“This is going to be a new and improved Cruz at 147,” Cruz said. “I just have to show the world what we’ve got. The last few fights, making weight was a big factor in my performance.”
In recent months Cruz, with a record of 16-1-3 (10 KOs), partnered with Fighters First Management, where former Main Events matchmaker Jolene Mizzone will guide his career. He’s also training under Jose Ponce in Saint Louis, and he says the management change and new division will be a reset.
“I’ve been a free agent the last four years, just waiting on calls that never came,” Cruz explained. “So I did my research on Jolene, and I feel like she’s a perfect fit. She’s well-respected, and she’s going to keep me busy and get me the right fights to eventually get to a world title.”
Reflecting on his career’s ups and downs, Cruz shared, “Every fighter deals with challenges, but inactivity has definitely been a factor for me. When I first went inactive, it was due to managerial and promotional issues. And after I was a free agent, it was just waiting on people to call. That time off helped me regroup, and I’m ready to push forward at welterweight.”
Rodriguez, at 36, holds a record of 20-11 (17 KOs), and has nearly twice as many fights as Cruz and a track record against skilled opponents. Cruz respects the experience Rodriguez brings, calling him “a solid opponent” and a test of his strength at 147.
“I think this fight will let me display my skills and my power,” Cruz said. “I feel strong at this weight, and I’m pretty sure my power is going to carry over well.”
Moving up from 140lbs has already improved his training.
“When you’re constantly cutting weight, the camp turns into a weight-loss mission instead of training for a fight,” Cruz said. “At welterweight, I can focus on my game plan and feel strong and healthy.”
Cruz will also be fighting in front of his hometown crowd for the first time in years, a special moment for him and his supporters. “You’ve got family, friends, and fans who watched you grow up,” Cruz said. “They’ve been asking me to come back home to fight for a while, and this is the perfect opportunity. I want to look spectacular in this fight and keep moving toward bigger fights.”