Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Jose Valenzuela Earns A Split Decision Over Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz

Originally posted on Fights Around The World
By Abraham Gonzalez | Last updated Aug 4, 2024 9:35 AM ET

In one of a few upsets throughout the night, Jose Valenzuela (14-2, 9 KOs) earned a split decision over Isaac Cruz (26-3-1, 18 KOs) to become the new WBA super lightweight champion. The judges saw this one: 116-112 for Valenzuela, 115-113 for Cruz, and 116-112 for Valenzuela. It was a fight where everyone witnessed the best version of Valenzuela ever seen. Valenzuela thanks Robert Garcia for tonight’s victory.

Cruz, as expected, came out charging and put immediate pressure on Valenzuela in the first round. Although Valenzuela didn’t throw many punches, he used his legs to escape the ropes where he could be in danger. Valenzuela kept circling Cruz in the second round, avoiding anything Cruz had to offer. Regardless, Cruz kept charging forward, hoping to land something big.

Valenzuela found a home for the left uppercut and the left hook in the third round. Cruz kept moving forward and, on a few occasions, found a home for the overhand right. In the fourth round, Valenzuela continued to use his legs and right jab to keep Cruz at bay. Cruz didn’t change his game plan and continued to do the same thing, which was to follow Valenzuela around the ring. Cruz appeared frustrated during the fifth round as he began to lunge with his shots. Valenzuela seemed to be calm and boxed perfectly throughout the round.

In the sixth round, Valenzuela landed a hard right uppercut that hurt Cruz, but then he returned fire with a straight right hand that buzzed Valenzuela. At this point of the fight, Valenzuela was doing everything right and controlling the distance while not allowing Cruz to land anything significant. Cruz landed some big overhand rights in the seventh round, but they were few and far between. Cruz seemed desperate as the fight seemed to be leaning towards Valenzuela. Although Cruz had a low blow in the eighth round, Valenzuela did a masterful job dictating the fight’s pace.

Rounds nine and ten were all Valenzuela, but in the 11th round, Cruz landed a big straight right hand, which hurt Valenzuela badly but was saved by the sound of the bell. Valenzuela finished the fight using his footwork and smart punching that didn’t allow Cruz to counter him for any last-minute rallies.

This article first appeared on Fights Around The World and was syndicated with permission.

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