Valenzuela shocks “Pitbull”, claims WBA super-lightweight title

Jose Valenzuela (14-2) dethroned Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz (26-3-1) on Saturday night in Los Angeles. Valenzuela captured the WBA World super-lightweight title by defeating Cruz via split decision.

Two judges saw Valenzuela as winner, scoring the fight 116:112 and one saw Cruz as winner (115:113).

“I didn’t get desperate,” said Valenzuela, 25, who is trained by former champion Robert Garcia. “I didn’t fall under the pressure. I stayed calm. I felt great. I felt like I was in control the whole time with my jab, my footwork.”

Cruz was not happy with result afterwards. He said he will push for a rematch.

“Just take a listen to this crowd, they’re the judge of all this, not me,” Cruz said regarding the result in translated remarks. “I never like to make a decision on what the result of the fight is. I just get on with my work and let everyone else decide.”