| |
|
"Rayo" Valenzuela Upsets "Pitbull" Cruz for WBA 140lbs Title!
By Ralph Rimpell
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 04 Aug 2024
BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA -- In the co-main event of the Terence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov unified super middleweight championship here Saturday night, newly crowned WBA Jnr welterweight champion Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz (26-3-1, 18KOs) was upset by Jose "Rayo" Valenzuela (14-2, 9KOs) and lost his title.
Cruz used his strength, pressured Rayo for all 12 rounds, and landed some good punches. Rayo was also strong, used a good jab, good footwork, and used the ring effectively to outbox Cruz. In the 10th round, Rayo, now trained by former world champion Robert Garcia, was encouraged to stick to the "game plan" and he would be a world champion if he could continue another two rounds.
Cruz seemed to hurt Rayo towards the end of the 11th round which made all the Rayo fans nervous which encouraged the Cruz fans in the audience who rooted for Cruz.
Having survived the 11th round scare, Rayo finished the fight strong. It was a split decision by the judges. Two judges scored the fight 116-112 for Rayo while one judge scored it 115-113 for Cruz. Philboxing thought the fight should have been scored a unanimous victory for Rayo.
Rayo dedicated the fight to his parents who sacrificed so much for him bringing him to the United States and raising him here. As for Cruz, he disagreed with the decision and is interested in a rematch.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ralph Rimpell.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
NONSTOP ACTION ADDED TO ROACH VS. ZEPEDA WITH STACKED UNDERCARD
, Thu, 16 Jul 2026Heavyweight Dainier Pero Looks to Continue His Climb Against Aleem Whitfield Live on ESPN
, Thu, 16 Jul 2026Ryan Garcia Set to Defend World Title Against Conor Benn in Paramount+ Global Bout at T-Mobile Arena on September 12 over Mexican Independence Day Weekend
, Thu, 16 Jul 2026Fight Result: Yuga Ozaki Stops Jerry Francisco in Tokyo
By Dong Secuya, , Thu, 16 Jul 2026Bruno Tarimo returns to Headline Dragon Fire Boxings next event; BOXINGMANIA August 8th in a WBA Championship clash with Junlun Zhao
, Thu, 16 Jul 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The WBC Reaps Rewards in Uruguay
By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 15 Jul 2026Risky proposition for Charly
By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 15 Jul 2026Michael Zerafa opponent revealed as August 12 tickets go on sale for Gold Coast blockbuster
, Wed, 15 Jul 2026Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Girls Stay in the Hunt Despite Opening Setback, Shift Focus to Japan Showdown
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 15 Jul 2026BiYu Promotions' Yusniel Abrahante Ready to Shock Undefeated Luis Coria on ProBox TV This Saturday
, Wed, 15 Jul 2026Showdown in Tokyo: Jerry Francisco Challenges Undefeated Yuga Ozaki for WBO Asia Pacific Title Today
By Dong Secuya, , Wed, 15 Jul 2026RUIZ JR. FACES KNYBA AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER, NEWARK, NJ ON SEPT 4 – LIVE ON TNT AND DAZN
, Wed, 15 Jul 2026MATCHROOM AND DAZN LAUNCH PROJECT SERIES ON AUG 28
, Wed, 15 Jul 2026Pinoy woodpushers confident in Asian Youth tilt in Shenzhen, China
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 15 Jul 2026CARE conducts WASSAR training course for Junior Lifeguards in Digos
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 15 Jul 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 13 JULY 2026: Gassiev Stops Kadiru, Retains WBA Heavy Title; Suslenko Beats Joyce; Ataev Outpoints Uzcategui
By Eric Armit, , Tue, 14 Jul 2026Two World Title Fights are added to AJ-Prenga undercard at 'The Comeback' in Jeddah
, Tue, 14 Jul 2026Perez willing to have a trilogy with Eman
By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 13 Jul 2026MANILA ROARS BACK: THE REYES CUP AND PHILIPPINES OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP RETURN FOR 2026
, Mon, 13 Jul 2026Jayr Raquinel Avenges Compatriots with First-Round Stoppage Over Kenbun Torres in Osaka
By Dong Secuya, , Mon, 13 Jul 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev backs Gassiev for heavyweight unification fights after IBA Pro 19 title defence
, Mon, 13 Jul 2026Chess Kings rules Pacquiao rapid chess team tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 13 Jul 2026P1 million at stake in DC Trail Ultra
By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 13 Jul 2026Gabriel Santisima Retains WBO Asia-Pacific Title with First-Round Knockout Win
, Sun, 12 Jul 2026Sumabong wins OPBF, WBO Asia Pacific titles
By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 12 Jul 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
