Jose Valenzuela pulled off a split decision over Pitbull Cruz to take the WBA 140 lb title.
Scott Christ is the managing editor of Bad Left Hook and has been covering boxing for SB Nation since 2006.
Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela beat Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz to take the WBA super lightweight title today, a big upset to crown a new titleholder at 140 lbs.
Valenzuela (14-2, 9 KO) won a split decision, taking two cards of 116-112, with the third judge scoring the fight 115-113 for Cruz.
Bad Left Hook’s unofficial cards were 114-114 and 115-113 for Cruz, but the DAZN crew and most fans watching seemed to favor the work of Valenzuela.
It’s a massive career boost for “Rayo,” obviously, as not only does he win his first world title in his first fight at 140 lbs, but he did so against a fighter who has steadily gained in popularity over the last couple of years, in the final undercard bout of a major show.
“I’m speechless,” Valenzuela said. “Dream come true. I was 100 percent sure (I did enough to win). I just had to be smart. I didn’t get desperate, I didn’t fall into the pressure, I stayed calm. His power was nothing crazy, but it was good. He was solid. I felt like I was in control the whole time.”
Asked if he wanted a rematch, Cruz said, “For sure. I’d like to lay it on the line and officially request a rematch.”
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