Cristobal Cruz

Born in Chiapas, Cruz has the nickname "Lacandon" which means "rough Indian in Mexico" and there are few tougher or rougher than this gritty Mexican.

Experienced against very good opposition, Cruz, made his professional debut sixteen years ago and apart from winning a variety of titles, such as WBC Fecarbox featherweight crown, WBC Latino featherweight title and WBC Continental Americas featherweight belt, he went on to outpoint South Africa's rugged Thomas Mashaba by majority decision to lift the IBO featherweight championship on March 7, 2008. It was a feverishly fought battle that could have gone either way, but at the end, Cruz's world record punch-rate carried the day.

Always assuring fans a splintering fight, Cruz is hopeful of breaking into the international spotlight in a huge way during the next eighteen months and there are also rumours of a return bout with Thomas Mashaba early in 2009.

Born on May 19, 1977, Cruz's hometown is Tijuana, Mexico, but nowadays he is essentially located in California. Standing 5'7" in height, he has a reach of 68" which, incidentally is the same as that of legendary world heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano.

Watching Cruz in action, one is even reminded of the "Rock" when it comes to the Mexican's unflagging courage and determination.