• Isaac Cruz (left) in an exchange of fists with Lamont Roach
• Isaac Cruz (left) in an exchange of fists with Lamont Roach

Cruz retains WBC super-lightweight title with controversial draw

Isaac Cruz retained his WBC interim super-lightweight title with a controversial majority draw against Lamont Roach in Texas.

Mexican Cruz knocked the American down for the first time in his career with a fierce left hook in the third round.

However, Cruz was deducted a point for a kidney punch in round seven, while Roach landed 191 punches to Cruz's 159 over 12 rounds at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.

Two judges scored the fight 113-113 and the third called it 115-111 in Cruz's favour.

It was Roach's second successive majority draw this year after his fight with Gervonta Davis in March.

"All I want is a fair shake, man," Roach said.

"I don't accept this at all. I clearly thought I won a close fight.

"I don't know what I got to do. But we're going to go back to the drawing board."

Cruz said he wants a rematch if a different referee officiates the fight.

"I won this fight and the referee took this fight from me," he said.

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