Manny Pacquiao headlines the night, but an anticipated undercard bout falls apart just hours before. The return of Manny Pacquiao to the ring is grabbing headlines, but the undercard for Saturday’s event in Las Vegas was also generating plenty of excitement. In what was set to be a high-stakes sequel to their thrilling February clash, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz was scheduled to face Angel Fierro in a 140-pound rematch.
Pacquiao vs Barrios Card Loses Explosive Fight Just 24 Hours Before Fight Night originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Manny Pacquiao headlines the night, but an anticipated undercard bout falls apart just hours before.
The return of Manny Pacquiao to the ring is grabbing headlines, but the undercard for Saturday’s event in Las Vegas was also generating plenty of excitement. Fans were expecting a lineup stacked with action-packed bouts leading into the main event. However, a last-minute development has disrupted the card as one of the most anticipated rematches has been scrapped.
In what was set to be a high-stakes sequel to their thrilling February clash, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz was scheduled to face Angel Fierro in a 140-pound rematch. According to Mike Coppinger, the fight is officially off: ‘Angel Fierro has been forced to withdraw from Saturday’s rematch with Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, sources told @ringmagazine.
The 140-pound fight was scheduled for the Manny Pacquiao-Mario Barrios PPV undercard in Las Vegas. Cruz defeated Fierro in a firefight in February.’
Coppinger added more detail on X, reporting, ‘Told Fierro is headed to a hospital for observation after he encountered health issues during his weight cut. Wishing him speedy recovery.’ Fierro’s withdrawal leaves a major gap in the card, but organizers have moved quickly to keep the lineup strong.
Told Fierro is headed to a hospital for observation after he encountered health issues during his weight cut. Wishing him speedy recovery. https://t.co/2p980vSHaM
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) July 18, 2025
Per ESPN, Jose Salcido (20-2, 14 KOs), who was originally slated to fight Brian Gallegos on the untelevised portion of the Pacquiao-Barrios PPV, will now step in to face Cruz on the main card. While the new matchup wasn’t part of the original plan, it ensures that fans will still get an explosive lightweight showdown on a night that already promises fireworks.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
