Jose Valenzuela Defeats Isaac Cruz For The Title
In the first defense of his WBA super lightweight title, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz (26-3-1, 18 KOs) lost to Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela (14-2, 9 KOs) by way of a split decision.
As nearly all of his fights do, the match opened with Cruz flying off his stool and smothering Valenzuela with plenty of head and body shots. Impressively, Rayo maintained his composure and stuck to the game plan which saw him fight off the back foot, use the whole ring, and spin out of danger when on the ropes or in the corner.
Pitbull’s naked aggression appeared to be enough to win the early rounds, but by the halfway point the effectiveness of Valenzuela’s tactics were certainly paying dividends. Rayo’s left uppercut was particularly meaningful and caught Cruz throughout the fight. Going down the homestretch Valenzuela’s smooth moves frustrated Pitbull who did not appear to have a backup plan.
Pitbull could not stop or even put Rayo on the canvas. Due to this, when the match went to the judges, Valenzuela won by way of a split decision to the tune of 116-112 (Cruz) and 116-112 115-113 Valenzuela.
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