Isaac Cruz Makes Super Lightweight Title Defence Against Jose Valenzuela – Grand Arrivals and Fight Prediction

Isaac Cruz (26-2-1, 18 KOs) will soon make the first defence of his WBA super lightweight title against Jose Valenzuela (13-2, 9 KOs).

Their fight is on the undercard of the Israil Madrimov vs. Terence Crawford world title clash at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. Boxing fans in the United States can catch the action as a pay-per-view on ESPN+, DAZN and Prime Video. Those in the United Kingdom can also do the same with TNT Sports Box Office. DAZN and PPV.com will also carry the action for the rest of the world.

The Crawford-Madrimov event is part of Riyadh Season, a state-funded entertainment and sports festival in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority is responsible for its organization.

Ahead of their August 3 clash, Cruz and Valenzuela made their grand arrivals. Below is what they had to say.

Isaac Cruz Makes 140lb Title Defence Against Jose Valenzuela

Isaac Cruz

“I’m really, really happy to be fighting,” said Cruz through an interpreter. “We’ve prepared really, really hard. It’s reallygreat to be going out there as a world champion and I’m going to put on a great show for the Californians and for my people from Mexico, too.”

“I want to give 1000 per cent of what I’ve got and I want to give every ounce of energy so the people can see my great performance and I can deliver on Saturday night.”

Jose Valenzuela

“My hard work,” said Valenzuela when asked what makes him believe that he can win the world title. “I’ve been very focused, training hard and I’m ready to make the best of it.”

“Just being smart, being relaxed and firing back,” he said about how plans on dealing with Cruz’s pressure.

Fight Prediction

Valenzuela is fighting at 140lbs for the first time in his professional career. His opponent only has marginally more experience than he does in the weight class. It is essentially a clash between two lightweights at super lightweight instead. While Cruz appears confident of securing the win, this feels like an opportunity for Valenzuela to make his mark at a new weight class. Expect “Rayo” to get the victory via unanimous decision.

Full Grand Arrivals

For the grand arrivals in their entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Queensberry Promotions.