Jose Valenzuela surprises and defeats Isaac Cruz by split decision in a disputed fight at the BMO Stadium

Unexpectedly, one of the best boxers we have in Mexico lost his world belt/ (David J. Phillip / Associated Press)

Unexpectedly, one of the best boxers we have in Mexico lost his WBA super lightweight world belt in his first defense. A few hours ago, “Pitbull” Cruz faced José “Rayo” Valenzuela. A victory for our Aztec boxer was expected; however, after 12 rounds, what the Mexican did was not enough.

Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, one of Mexico’s most renowned boxers, suffered a tough setback in the ring when he lost his WBA super lightweight world title in his first defense. The defeat came against José “Rayo” Valenzuela after an intense 12-round fight at BMO Stadium. The judges awarded Valenzuela the victory by split decision with cards that marked 116-112, 113-115 and 116-112 in his favor, according to various digital media outlets specializing in combat sports.

The battle between Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and José “Rayo” Valenzuela was one of the most anticipated of the year, as both boxers had a lot at stake. For Cruz, the fight represented his first defense of the World Boxing Association (WBA) super lightweight world title, while for Valenzuela, a victory meant moving up an important rung in his career by obtaining the lightweight belt.

Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, one of the most renowned boxers in Mexico/ Photo: Instagram/@isaacpitbullcruz

From the start of the fight, Valenzuela showed an aggressive strategy and technical mastery that made things difficult for Cruz. The first rounds were crucial in setting the trend of the fight, in which “Rayo” imposed his style with accurate blows and quick movements that sowed doubt in “Pitbull’s” corner. Despite Cruz’s heroic efforts to balance the action, Valenzuela’s dominance and precision were the determining factors.

With each round that passed, the tension increased inside the BMO Stadium, located in Los Angeles, where the fans followed each movement of their idols with anticipation. However, the aggressiveness and technique of the “Rayo” stood out in most of the exchanges, which began to tip the scales of the judges in his favor.

Official ballot of Cruz against Valenzuela. (Screenshot)

After the 12 rounds ended and the judges named José “Rayo” Valenzuela as the new WBA super lightweight world title holder, the Mexican boxer made his first statements.

“I’m not going to say anything, the best judge is the public and I dedicated my fight to them and my family. I came to work and give everything, I’m not going to say anything or make excuses, the best critic is the one from this public,” said Cruz.

After losing his WBA belt, super lightweight boxer Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz did not hold back and asked for a rematch with “Rayo” Valenzuela. Nothing is official yet, but it is expected that this fight will have a second edition where “Pitbull” will recover his belt.

This fight is expected to have a second edition where “Pitbull” recovers his belt/ ESPN