San Juan, Puerto Rico, is set to host a compelling night of boxing this Thursday, March 19, 2026, headlined by the undefeated Felix Parrilla as he takes on Alfredo Cruz in a 10-round featherweight championship bout. The event, promoted by Universal Promotions and Salita Promotions, marks a significant moment for Parrilla, who will be headlining a card in his ancestral homeland for the first time. For boxing fans looking to tune in, the action will be broadcast live on DAZN1, beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET. This Felix Parrilla v Alfredo Cruz live stream promises a thrilling matchup, with Parrilla aiming to maintain his perfect record and Cruz looking for a hometown victory.
Parrilla, 26, boasts an impressive 12-0 record with 10 wins coming by way of knockout. While hailing from New Haven, Connecticut, Parrilla’s connection to Puerto Rico runs deep, as both of his parents were born on the island. This personal link adds an extra layer of significance to the fight, fueling his ambition to turn into a world champion and represent his heritage. He turned professional in 2021 and recently partnered with Salita and Universal Promotions, a collaboration that culminated in a fifth-round knockout of Kenneth Taylor in October 2025, paving the way for this headline opportunity.
A Homecoming for Parrilla, a Battle for Puerto Rico for Cruz
The bout represents more than just a championship fight; it’s a return to Puerto Rico for Salita Promotions and a chance for Parrilla to showcase his talent before a passionate home crowd. Parrilla expressed his excitement, stating this opportunity is “a dream come true” and “one step closer to a world title.” His impressive knockout ratio – 83 percent of his wins have come by knockout – suggests he’s a force to be reckoned with. “The knockouts just come, I don’t force it,” Parrilla said, attributing his power to both skill and “the Puerto Rican blood in me.”
Alfredo Cruz, 29, of San Juan, will undoubtedly relish the opportunity to fight on home soil. With a record of 10-4-1 and 5 knockouts, Cruz enters the contest following a majority decision loss to Jan Paul Rivera in January. This fight presents a crucial opportunity for Cruz to rebound and make a statement against a rising star in Parrilla. The matchup is poised to be a compelling clash of styles and a true battle for Puerto Rican boxing pride.
Full Fight Card for Thursday Night
Beyond the main event, a full undercard is scheduled to provide a night of exciting boxing action. The lineup includes:
- Abusael Cotto vs. Derlyn Hernández (junior lightweights)
- Kiria Tapia vs. Ayanna Vasquez (female junior lightweights)
- Garrett Rice Jr. Vs. Johniel Ramos Cotto (lightweights)
- Angel Carranza vs. Ezequiel Palaversic (lightweights)
- Manuel Febus vs. Pedro Perez (lightweights)
- Allen Morales vs. Ricardo Blackman Jr. (featherweights)
- Bryan Garcia vs. Alex Pallette (lightweights)
- Raul Sosa vs. Ja Vionte Gaddy (featherweights)
Fans of lighter-weight boxing will find plenty to enjoy throughout the evening, with a diverse range of fighters and styles on display.
How to Watch Felix Parrilla vs. Alfredo Cruz
Here’s how to catch all the action:
- Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- TV: DAZN1
- Location: Coliseo Pedrín Zorrilla – San Juan, Puerto Rico
For those looking to live stream the event, Fubo offers a convenient way to watch. Regional restrictions may apply.
As Felix Parrilla prepares for this pivotal fight, he remains focused on his ultimate goal: becoming a world champion. With his impressive record and unwavering determination, he’s quickly establishing himself as a rising star in the boxing world. The fight against Alfredo Cruz represents a significant step towards that ambition, and a victory would undoubtedly solidify his position as a contender in the featherweight division.
Following this event, Parrilla’s team has not yet announced his next scheduled bout. However, a win on Thursday will likely open doors to even greater opportunities and higher-profile matchups. Boxing fans can stay updated on Parrilla’s career and future plans through Salita Promotions and DAZN.
Share your thoughts on this upcoming fight in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow boxing enthusiasts!
Related reading
