Alex Pereira’s Coach Plinio Cruz Makes Statement with Brutal TKO Win
Alex Pereira’s coach Plinio Cruz stops Gary Olive by second-round TKO at Misfits Boxing 30 before calling out Chase DeMoor.
Alex Pereira's longtime coach, Plinio Cruz, just proved that he is not just a trainer but also a force to be reckoned with inside the ring. Making his Misfits Boxing debut in London, the Brazilian unleashed a brutal second-round TKO against Gary Olive, showcasing his hard work and determination after months of training and a last-minute switch in opponents.
The victory also opened the door for Cruz to reignite his feud with his original opponent, Chase DeMoor.
Plinio Cruz Scores Second-Round TKO in Misfits Boxing Debut
Cruz wasted no time, finishing Olive in just 58 seconds into the second round at Misfits Boxing 30 on Saturday at the Copper Box Arena. Former two-division UFC champ Pereira's coach, he unleashed a flurry of powerful left hooks that completely overwhelmed Olive and forced the stoppage.
This win was especially meaningful for Cruz, who shared that he had gone through a significant physical transformation in preparation for the fight.
“The gang got me ready. I trained hard, and I lost 100 pounds for this fight,” Cruz said after the win.
Cruz was originally scheduled to take on Misfits Boxing heavyweight champion DeMoor, but just days before the event, DeMoor had to withdraw due to an eye injury. This prompted his coach, Olive, to step in for the matchup. Rather than allowing this last-minute change to throw him off, Cruz seized the moment and delivered a statement victory.
Cruz Calls Out Chase DeMoor After TKO Victory
Following the finish, Cruz wasted little time turning his attention back to DeMoor. While acknowledging Olive’s performance, he questioned why the Misfits champion had not competed against him himself.
“First of all, props to Gary; he boxes better than Chase. didn't have the balls to be in his coach's corner... What kind of champ is that he can't even back up his family,” Cruz said.
He then delivered a direct challenge to DeMoor, making it clear that the original matchup remained on his mind.
“Come here, bro, I'm going to whup your f*cking ass. Chama!” Cruz added.
Cruz has made a name for himself by his brilliant work alongside Pereira, getting the Brazilian fighter ready for his UFC fights. However, it was his recent performance in London that put his own combat-sports abilities in the spotlight, setting the stage for Misfits Boxing to create an exciting rematch storyline.
