Mexican Isaac Cruz (26-3-1, 18 KOs) was unable to successfully defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) super lightweight crown when he fell to fellow Mexican Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela in the co-main event of Terence Crawford’s bout against Israil Madrimov on Saturday night at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Judges scored 116-112 twice in favor of Valenzuela and 115-1134 for Cruz.
“Rayo,” born in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, kept his distance during the fight and used his jab to stay out of danger, although he received the strongest blows.
“The judge is the best audience,” Cruz said after hearing the discontent of the crowd over the decision. “I never got complacent, I came to fight the best fight, I don’t know what a judge saw.”
Cruz, disappointed with the result, expressed his desire for revenge.
“I would like to officially request a rematch,” Cruz said.
Cruz had two very solid first rounds, in which he connected on several occasions with Valenzuela, who was trained by the experienced Robert Garcia for this fight. “Rayo” was careful during those first episodes of his rival’s overhand right, but was hit by some straights with that same hand.
The seventh round was the most active of the exchanges as the round ended with Valenzuela landing and Cruz countering. The champion landed a whip to the face in the eighth, the strongest blow of the fight up to that point, which made Valenzuela retreat, who frustrated Cruz on several occasions. Valenzuela in the last round managed to land a dangerous straight and uppercut to Cruz’s chin, which secured his victory in the eyes of two judges at LAFC’s home.
Since Cruz gave Gervonta Davis a great fight in December 2021, he began to win the hearts of Mexicans. His aggressive pitbull style was what earned him his nickname, but also the liking of boxing fans in his country. However, on Saturday he came up against a disciplined opponent who knew his flaws.
“I can’t talk, it’s a dream,” said Valenzuela, who was booed by the fans. “He’s very intelligent, I didn’t despair, I stayed calm.”
Jose Valenzuela, right, throws a punch at Isaac Cruz, left, during a super lightweight championship boxing match in Los Angeles, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
(Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)
Valenzuela, 25, moved up to 140 pounds to get the shot.
In another result, former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz barely eked out a draw against Jarrell Miller after injuring his hand in the fifth round.
The event at BMO Stadium is Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season’s first boxing venture in the country.
