GENERATION NXT: CRUZ AND SOTO GEAR UP FOR MINNESOTA BOXING SHOWDOWN THIS SATURDAY
Professional boxing is back in the Twin Cities on June 22, 2024, and with good reason – local boxing enthusiasts have eagerly awaited its return. Headlining the event are Minnesota light-heavyweights Mengistu Zarzar of Bloomington and Corey Thompson of Alexandria, squaring off for the vacant 175-pound state title. Exciting heavyweight Terrance Walker makes his local return, alongside the highly anticipated professional debuts of Jerred Bradford from Minneapolis, Isayah Smith and Andrew Griggs both of Duluth.
However, the 135-pound showdown between North Dakota’s Roman Cruz (2-1) and Saint Paul’s Oscar Soto (making his debut) should also electrify the crowd in a grand finale style. Their combination of skill and heart sets the stage for a nicely matched bout that could have everyone on the edge of their seats.
34 year old Roman Cruz of Grand Forks is a mixed martial artist but boxes like a long time pugilist. Minnesota crowds have seen him in exciting bouts against locals Josh Clark, Tim Bender and Ryan Dew. Cruz is ready to bring everything he has to entertain the crowd and take with him a win against one of Minnesota’s favorite former amateur boxers in Oscar Soto.
“I’m not too familiar with his background, but I do know he has fought in several amateur bouts” said Cruz. “He’s a tall, athletic fighter, and his jab could be a challenge. However, I’ll train hard and try to be prepared for his style. I always come to win and give the fans a great fight! I strongly believe hard work pays off and the guy that does that will win. But it’s boxing and it can be any fighters night. We shall see.”
Cruz continued, “I love fighting and I’m just thrilled I get paid to do it. This is fun for me. Like Nate Diaz said, I’m going in there to throw some good sh** and try not to get hit, get the W and leave with pocket full of cash!”
Standing at 6’3”, Oscar Soto, 34, enjoys a significant height and reach advantage over Cruz, who stands at 5’6”. Despite periods away from the ring, Soto boasts extensive amateur experience. Quietly preparing since 2015, he is determined to seize the opportunity this Saturday and plans on making the most of it.
”I went to the Olympic Trials in 2015 which I put a lot of work into preparing for” said Soto. “Ever since then, I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to turn pro. I’ve stayed in the gym and boxing is something I can’t take my mind off of. It’s time to begin my run at something big.”
”I’m real excited to show my skills and that I’ve still got it. I think the talent on this show will help build a solid fan base for the next generation of boxers in Minnesota. I’m hoping to catch some eyes out there in the boxing world and eventually win a title. That all starts here. I’m 6’3”, 140 pounds and I think that’s a rare thing that I’ve always felt blessed with. I’m putting the grind in now and training hard for this next level.”
“My opponent is tough and it sounds like we are going to be brawling it out. Well brawling it out is my favorite thing to do!”
“Fans should also be excited as I am to see the rest of the National level talent ready to turn pro on this show. And the championship fight is going to be all about cracking heads so it’s going to be fun to see all of the boxers stepping up.”
Vivid Fights (formerly SO Boxing) presents the action which begins at 7:30 PM CST at the Doubletree by Hilton in Bloomington, MN. Tickets are available at www.vividfights.com.
