On 17 January 1992, Cruz began his professional career, beating fellow Mexican debutant Manuel Morales with a second round knockout in Monterrey.
[1] After racking up 24 fights with 21 wins and 11 knockouts in just over tens years, Cruz faced Francisco Dianzo for the WBC Continental Americas featherweight title.
In August 2007, Cruz started back on the comeback trail when he defeated Alberto Garza with a tenth-round knockout to capture the WBC FECOMBOX featherweight title.
This victory lead to a shot at the IBO featherweight title against South African champion Thomas Mashaba who had only one loss in a ten-year 25 fight career.
Once again Cruz overcame the odds to defeat the bookies favourite to take one of the most prestigious titles in boxing by beating a battered and swollen Salido on points.