Cerebral lefty Jose Valenzuela upset exciting brawler Isaac Cruz to win the WBA super lightweight crown at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday. The official scores were 116-112, 116-112 and 115-113.
Valenzuela (14-2, 9 KOs) thwarted Pitbull’s vaunted aggression and used smart boxing to neutralize the bigger puncher. Cruz got off to a good start but quickly lost his shape and was picked off for at least two-thirds of the fight.
“[His power] was cool, nothing I’ve never felt before, but it was solid,” said Valenzuela during his post-fight interview with DAZN. “This is for my mum and dad; all the sacrifices they made.”
Early on it appeared that Cruz’s aggression and punching power would carry the day. He had Valenzuela going back faster than he wanted and was teeing off with big hooks from both sides.
However, after three rounds the attack faded, and the challenger found his rhythm. The right jab set up an accurate and regular right uppercut in the middle rounds and he also made Cruz pay with a well-timed right hook whenever he overcommitted.
The Sporting News gave Valenzuela six rounds in a row and although Cruz came on strong at the end, he needed a knockout finish to retain his title. He didn’t come close and the decision should have been unanimous against him.
This was a beautiful performance by Valenzuela, who has announced himself at 140 pounds. Among the possibilities for him going forward are a Cruz rematch, Ring and WBO champion Teofimo Lopez, newly minted IBF champ Liam Paro, and WBC boss Alberto Puello.
Cruz, who indicated that he believed the decision should have gone his way, drops to 26-3-1 (18 KOs).
Isaac Cruz vs. Jose Valenzuela fight card
- Terence Crawford vs. Israi Madrimov for the WBA super welterweight titles
- Martin Bakole def. Jared Anderson via KO 5 (2:07); Heavyweights
- David Morrell def. Radivoje Kalajdzic via UD 12 (118-110, 117-111, 117-111) for the WBA "regular" light heavyweight title
- Jose Valenzuela def. Isaac Cruz (c) for the WBA super lightweight title (116-112, 116-112, 113-115)
- Andy Cruz def. Antonio Moran via KO 7 (2:59); Lightweights
- Andy Ruiz Jr. draw Jarrell Miller (112-116, 114-114, 114-114); Heavyweights