CRUZ SET TO DEFEND BELT

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Bantamweight champ Justin Cruz had a tough time cutting weight today in preparation for his title defense Saturday night. (photo by Andre Gadia)

By Patrick Lujan

MANILA – Cutting to 135 pounds may be the biggest challenge PXC bantamweight champion Justin ‘The Shocker’ Cruz faces heading into his title defense fight in PXC 31.

Cruz was six pounds over weight one hour prior to the 11 a.m. weigh-ins at the F1 Hotel Friday in Global City, Manila. When the champ stepped on the scale, he was still two pounds over the limit. However, he was able to make weight two hours later. The champion has been under the weather the past two days and the fatigue was obvious on the weigh-in stage.

“He was off by way more early this morning,” said PXC matchmaker Ken San Nicolas. “It’s been tough for ‘The Shocker’ but we know he’ll pull through. This guy is a warrior.”

The bantamweight title fight against local fighter Cristanto Pitpitunge highlights a nine-fight card that will air on AKTV Sports 5 (IBC 13) on a one-hour tape-delay.

The other Guam fighter on the card is fellow bantamweight contender Trevin Jones, who tipped the scale at exactly 135 pounds. He will be giving up five pounds against opponent Guzman Pia-yas, who stepped up on 140 pounds.

“Trev realizes (Pia-yas) took the fight on only three weeks notice, so he’s going to take the fight anyway,” San Nicolas added.

FIGHT CARD

Justin Cruz (135) vs. Cristanto Pitpitunge (135) PXC Bantamweight Title Fight

Tristan Arenal (155) vs. Richie Redman (160)

Guzman Pia-yas (140) vs. Trevin Jones (135)

Joseph Mercardo (135) vs. Troy Bantiag (136)

Alvin Cacdac (128) vs. Rex Wa-O (126)

Filipino Guzman Pia-yas takes on Guamanian Trevin Jones in the undercard of PXC 31. (photo by Andre Gadia)

Eugene Toquero (125) vs. Victor Torre (125)

Rolando Gabriel Dy (144) vs. Alde Alonzo De Zosa (144)

Glen Ranillo (155) vs. Macky Favis (154)

Arex Montalban (154) vs. Jerry Legaspi (155)

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