Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz’s proposed rematch with Gervonta “Tank” Davis appears to be on the rocks after Cruz was neutralized by Jose Valenzuela on Saturday at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
Cruz (26-3-1, 18 KOs), who lost his junior welterweight title to Valenzuela (14-2, 9 KOs) in an upset, did not sound happy with the split decision, which saw one judge score the fight 115-113 for Cruz, while the others had it 116-112 (twice) in favor of Valenzuela.
The defeat marked Cruz’s third career professional loss – and his first in three years since losing a 12-round unanimous decision to Davis in a lightweight title fight in 2021.
"I don't mean to say anything [negative], but just take a listen to this crowd," Cruz said in the post-fight interview on DAZN. "Just listen to this. I just like to do my job. I never make a decision at what the [scoring] is. I just let the fans decide after I do my job."
Cruz-Valenzuela proved to be one of the best fights on the much-heralded and sold-out Riyadh Season card, and much of that had to do with the efforts of the lesser-known challenger. In a splendid technical performance, Valenzuela utilized his jab, footwork and ring generalship to outbox Cruz, who went in search of the kill all night. Valenzuela’s refusal to stand toe-to-toe with Cruz frustrated the titleholder, who failed to find an antidote to his opponent’s tactics.
After thanking his supporters for showing up, Cruz immediately set to the business of running it back with Valenzuela.
“For sure,” he said. “I’d like to lay it on the line and officially request a rematch.”
But after he was so thoroughly outmaneuvered on Saturday, it’s fair to wonder: Can Cruz redeem himself in a second fight?
It seems unlikely unless Cruz is willing to alter his go-for-broke approach for Valenzuela. But he must also find a way of dealing with his opponent’s height and reach advantage, which, combined with Valenzuela's style and timing, troubled Cruz on Saturday.
Valenzuela, a 25-year-old southpaw from Los Mochis, Mexico, moved up to 140 pounds for the first time Saturday and managed to steal the show. He didn't mention the prospect of a Cruz rematch, but one imagines he wouldn't be particularly intimidated by the idea of one.
"Cruz's power was cool but nothing crazy and nothing I ever felt," he said. "It was good and solid. I felt great. I felt like I was in control the whole time using my jab and using my footwork."
Bernard Neequaye is a sports journalist with a specialty in boxing coverage. He wrote a boxing column titled “From The Ringside” back in his native Ghana for years. He can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) at @BernardNeequaye, LinkedIn at Bernard Neequaye and through email at bernardneequaye@gmail.com.
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