The scheduled fight against Chase DeMoor is cancelled because DeMoor suffered an injury during sparring. Trainer Plinio Cruz confirmed the bout won’t happen on the September 26 Misfits Boxing card. DeMoor claims he’s cleared to fight but admits he needs an eye exam next week. The delay stems from a lack of medical approval and a dispute over fight rules.
The Truth About the Injury
Plinio Cruz took to social media on Saturday evening to shut down rumors and state the facts clearly. He said he received a call from Mams Taylor stating that Chase DeMoor got his eye “injured” fighting a 400 pound UPS truck driver. Cruz noted this happened during DeMoor’s recent WBC title win. The trainer emphasized that DeMoor still hasn’t been medically cleared to step into the ring. “I trained for months and have put in the work everyday for this, I’m ready to fight it doesn’t matter how many rounds so now let’s see who they match me up against,” Cruz put it bluntly, according to Bloody Elbow.
That level of commitment shows what real preparation looks like. DeMoor pushed back hard against Cruz’s claims by sharing text messages with Taylor. He insisted he took zero damage in his fight against Kevin Nagle. DeMoor stated the issue occurred during sparring on Tuesday and that he simply needed to ensure he was good to go. He claimed he has since been cleared as long as he passes his eye exam scheduled EARLY next week. This back-and-forth creates a mess that fans don’t need. One side says he is hurt. The other says he is fine but waiting on paperwork.
Excuses vs. Accountability
Cruz didn’t mince words when he suggested DeMoor might be making excuses to avoid the fight. He joked about the injury happening two weeks before the bout, comparing it to a past claim where DeMoor said he hurt his “vagina.” Cruz also took a swipe at DeMoor’s social media habits, noting that he doesn’t increase video speeds to look cool. “My s— is raw and gangsta as I should be, Chama,” Cruz wrote. This directness is rare in modern sports where everyone hides behind PR teams. Cruz wants to fight. He is ready. DeMoor is not.
DeMoor contends the actual cause of the postponement lies in Cruz and his team rejecting a sanctioned 8-round bout. Everyone was advised by him to adhere strictly to facts and cease disseminating false information. While DeMoor wants a longer fight, Cruz has already prepared for whatever the organizers decide. The trainer stated that hopefully Me and Chase will compete later, unless he is too afraid.
The timing of this cancellation on the Misfits Boxing card with legends like Henry Cejudo and Tony Ferguson makes the absence of Pereira even more glaring. Although Cruz desires to remain on the card facing a new opponent, no confirmation has been provided yet. The fight was supposed to add intrigue for UFC fans on September 26. Now that DeMoor is out, the promoters must find a replacement quickly. Cruz made it clear that he is ready to fight regardless of the round count.
The uncertainty leaves fans waiting for an official announcement. DeMoor says clearance happens next week. Cruz says he will not wait forever. The ball is in the promoters’ court to fix this mess. The situation highlights a growing problem in combat sports where injuries are used to delay fights or avoid tough matchups. Cruz called out the behavior directly. He is right to demand answers. Fans pay for fights, not excuses. If DeMoor cannot fight due to an eye injury, he should say so plainly.
