Former world champion Paulie Malignaggi suspects the proposed clash between Ryan Garcia and Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz is a complete “mismatch”, believing that one man boasts clear advantages over the other.
Garcia did, of course, make a successful defence of his WBC title earlier this month, having become a world welterweight champion by dethroning Mario Barrios in February.
Back then, the American was coming off a shock defeat to Rolando Romero, who he fought in May 2025 after serving a year-long doping ban.
Now coming off a second-round finish over Conor Benn, though, Garcia has shown signs of improvement and, in particular, is utilising his right hand as a formidable weapon.
In terms of possible opponents, the 28-year-old has called for a unification match with Teofimo Lopez who, likewise, seems keen to collide on Cinco de Mayo weekend in 2027.
Until then, however, Garcia appears eager to remain active and has therefore expressed his interest in facing Cruz later this year.
Coming off a sixth-round knockout of Nestor Bravo earlier this month, the Mexican verbally accepted Garcia’s offer but, standing at around 5ft 4in, would be at a terrific size disadvantage if they end up locking horns.
Not only that, but Malignaggi has said on ProBox TV that, stylistically, he does not expect the type of firefight that others would be anticipating.
“That fight’s completely one-sided; it’s a mismatch. No shade on Pitbull – he’s a good fighter – but I just think the styles] of Garcia and Cruz wouldn’t] blend together.”
Having competed at 140lbs for his last six fights, Cruz perhaps feels as though he deserves the opportunity to become a two-division world champion.
