Jose Valenzuela dethroned Isaac Cruz to win the WBA super-lightweight world title

THERE was an upset on the cards at BMO Stadium when Jose Valenzuela became the new WBA super-lightweight champion against Isaac Cruz.

The split decision read 115-113 on one card in favor of Cruz and the other two gave Valenzuela 116-112 on two counts.

Cruz was defending the first title he won when he defeated Rolando 'Rolly' Romero in March.

Tonight's ousted champion asked for a rematch afterwards believing he was stripped of the victory. Prior to tonight, rumors were rife that the diminutive Mexican player would take second goal from Gervonta “Tank” Davis in 2025. For now, that will be forgotten.

During Cruz-Valenzuela the latter used his own qualities to destroy the power of Cruz who looked like he was going to explode on his heels and hurt his opponent. Cruz landed a very strong shot early but Valenzuela stuck to his guns firing uppercuts.

The opponent's jab seemed to work as the fight progressed as Cruz seemed to be more selective with what he threw. Cruz looked to close out the match in the final minutes but it was Valenzuela coached by Robert Garcia who won the world championship.