THERE was an upset on the cards at the BMO Stadium when Jose Valenzuela became the new WBA super-lightweight champion against Isaac Cruz.
The split decision verdict read 115-113 on one card in favour of Cruz with the other two giving it to Valenzuela 116-112 twice.
Cruz was making the first defence of the title he won having clinically beaten Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero in March.
Tonight’s dethroned champion requested a rematch afterwards believing he was robbed of victory. Prior to tonight rumours were abound that the diminutive Mexican would land a second shot at Gervonta “Tank” Davis in 2025. For now, that will be forgotten.
During Cruz-Valenzuela the latter used his own attributes to nullify the strengths of Cruz who looked to explode off his heels and hurt his challenger. Cruz landed the more stiffening shots early on but Valenzuela stuck to his guns firing back with uppercuts.
The challenger’s jab was proving effective as the fight wore on with Cruz looking to be more selective in what he threw. Cruz looked to close the show in the final minutes but it was the Robert Garcia-trained Valenzuela who got the nod to become world champion.