Troy Isley Bloodies and Punishes Cruz Cubano in an Easy Win
At the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York, Troy Isley (4-0, 3 KOs) faced Harry Keenan Cruz Cubano (6-3, 2 KOs) in a six-round middleweight contest. 2021 was a turbulent one for Isley. He began the year signing a promotional deal with Top Rank. He also split his time between the pro and amateur ranks, competing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Back full-time as a professional, the 23-year-old faced the unorthodox southpaw Cruz Cabano. However, he came into this bout having stopped his previous two opponents.
SIZE AND STRENGTH MATTERS
A southpaw, Cruz Cubano is one of the more awkward-looking fighters you will ever see in the ring. Isley is a fighter who has solid technique, physical strength, and punching power. He used those physical attributes to gain control early in this one.
The former Olympian hurt and had bloodied Cubano’s nose in round one. Because of his herky-jerky style and tendency to break all the conventional rules, Cubano tends to give opponents fits. However, Isley kept his discipline and stayed technically sound for the most part. At times, he did get frustrated and was told by his trainer, Al Mitchell, to relax and stop rushing. Isley responded by landing with left hooks and right uppercuts to the body.
Ultimately, the talent and physical advantages were the conclusive difference for Isley who won by comfortable unanimous decision (59-53, 59-54×2). Going six rounds for the first time in his career, the winner showed no signs of fatigue as he chopped down and beat Cubano up. Promoted by Top Rank, he is someone to keep an eye on in 2022.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
