Pacquiao, now 46, will step back into the ring at the MGM Grand against Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship. The Filipino legend has been training for several months for this fight, his first since losing to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao's return has grabbed attention in the boxing world, but now there's a problem with the undercard. Cruz and Fierro were set for a super-lightweight rematch. Cruz won their first fight in February by unanimous decision.
Mike Coppinger reported on Twitter that Fierro has gone to the hospital for observation after having health issues while cutting weight.
"Angel Fierro is headed to the hospital for observation after suffering health issues during his weight cut, per source. His scheduled fight vs. Isaac Cruz on Saturday's Manny Pacquiao-Mario Barrios undercard is off."
It's not clear yet if they'll find a new opponent for Cruz on such short notice. The main event between Pacquiao and Barrios will go ahead as planned.
This situation shows how tough weight cutting can be for fighters. It's a reminder of the risks involved in preparing for a big fight, especially when trying to make a specific weight class.
The card will continue, but fans will miss out on what promised to be an exciting rematch between Cruz and Fierro. For now, all eyes remain on Pacquiao's return to the ring at 46, as he aims to prove he can still compete at the highest level of the sport.