Isaac Cruz dominates Francisco Vargas with power in spite of distasteful ending (Video)

Isaac Cruz came out throwing power from the get-go and overwhelmed Francisco Vargas to a unanimous decision win — but the series of events at the end could be a bad taste in boxing fans’ mouths

Isaac Cruz continued his winning ways on the undercard of Jermall Charlo vs. Juan Macias Montiel, defeating former super featherweight boxing world champion Francisco Vargas — giving Vargas his first loss at lightweight.

The fight, however, may have been marred a bit by controversial moments in the 10th round, in which Vargas was busted open from a possibly intentional headbutt but allowed to continue — and the referee calling a subsequent slip a knockdown.

Francisco Vargas suffers nasty cut from headbutt, controversial knockdown as Issac Cruz cruises to decision win

It didn’t take long into the bout for Cruz to attempt to target the body and land some big power shots, swinging wildly and finding the mark quicker than Vargas. Vargas, however, attempted to stay patient and select his shots.

Cruz clipped and troubled Vargas early on in the third, but the veteran recovered and worked the jab, though Cruz continued to keep control with his power, including a continued attack to the body of Vargas in the fourth.

Vargas started to work his way back into things in the fifth, but the power of Cruz maintained. By the next round, however, Cruz’s cardio started to come into question as Vargas looked to show some life and battle against Cruz’s domination.

The two fought close battles over the seventh and eighth round, and Vargas seemed to do better from in close, but Cruz’s connections were still there and not going away.

The 10th and final round, however, saw some controversy in Vargas being busted open by a clash of heads. Despite the nasty cut, the doctor allowed for the fight to continue.

Vargas saw the final bell but not before a slip was ruled a controversial late knockdown by referee James Green.

All three judges awarded the bout to Cruz with scores of 97-92, 99-90 and 100-89.

Jermall Charlo vs. Juan Macias Montiel takes place on Saturday, June 19, 2021, live from the Toyota Center in Houston, TX. Follow along with FanSided for all your live news and highlights.