“If Andy Cruz needs to point out that every part they are saying about him is true, he has to exit and battle,” Burgos mentioned on Thursday. “All of the stress is on him.”
The boxers spent the primary spherical sizing one another up, Burgos tried to make use of his measurement benefit and Cruz labored to determine distance and rhythm.
Cruz shortly discovered each, hitting Burgos with two jabs and a tough proper hand within the third spherical. Shortly earlier than the bell, Cruz leaned again to keep away from a left hook after which hit Burgos with a proper counter. Within the fourth spherical, Cruz started to throw uppercuts, and by the fifth, Cruz, a nimble boxer, was chasing Burgos. A proper hand strike to the jaw knocked a misty cloud of sweat from Burgos’ head.
“Many occasions I believed I used to be near knocking him out, however he at all times recovered,” Cruz mentioned. “I’ve discovered lots and I nonetheless have lots to study.”
Ennis, a Philadelphia native who took over as Cruise’s coach in Could, was impressed however unsurprised by the fast transition. He taught Cruz the refined however vital variations between the 2 variations of the game, teaching him on learn how to throw highly effective punches offensively and stand his floor defensively.
“He was solely with me for 2 months and he discovered learn how to defend himself and every part,” Ennis mentioned. “And he did it below the sunshine.”
Cruz was initially scheduled to show professional in Could 2022 in Mexico as a part of a partnership between the Cuban Boxing Federation and the Aguascalientes-based promoter. However Cuban officers canceled his battle and left him, whereas the remainder of the staff went to Mexico. Officers on the time blamed this on dangerous habits; Cruz suspects that this determination was meant to forestall his escape.
