Isaac 'Pitbull' Cruz looked furious as he faced off against challenger Jose 'Rayo' Valenzuela in their grand finale in Los Angeles on Tuesday ahead of the fight on Saturday August 3 at BMO Stadium.
Rayo smiled at Pitbull as they came face to face and patted him on the shoulder before turning to face the crowd. Cruz looked like he wanted to run Rayo when he contacted him, and he wasn't interested in showing any good.
(Photo credit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing)
5'10” 'Rayo' Valenzuela (13-2, 9 KOs) outlasted WBA light welterweight champion “Pitbull” Cruz (26-2-1, 18 KOs) when they faced off. The height difference was amazing, and could be a factor in combat.
Cruz is the favorite in this fight against Valenzuela in their co-feature clash, live on DAZN PPV at the Riyadh Season event. You cannot color Rayo because of his height, strength, and innovative fighting style.
Cruz Loved, But Rayo's New Style Poses a Threat
'Rayo,' 25, has taken a perfect copy of Vasily Lomachenko's fighting style and moves, and it served him well in his latest sixth-round victory over Chris Colbert in their rematch last December.
Cruz is coming off an eighth-round knockout of Rolando 'Rolly' Romero last March in Las Vegas. He looked great against Rolly, but he is not on the same level as Rayo in terms of talent and strength.
Chris Mannix: “Jose, in his first fight, won the world title. In your first fight you are 140 years old, what makes you sure you can do the same?”
Jose 'Rayo' Valenzuela: “My hard work. I was very focused and trained hard. I am ready to make the best of it.”
Mannix: “This person [Pitbull Cruz] it puts a lot of pressure on the ring. What is the key for you to deal with that pressure?”
'Rayo' Valenzuela: “Just being smart, being free and hitting back.”
Mannix: “Isaac, first title defense. How does it feel to fight like a world champion?”
Isaac 'Pitbull' Cruz: “I prepared really hard. It's a great feeling to go out there as world champions. I'm going to put on a great show for the people of California and the people of Mexico.”
Mannix: “You always bring a lot of fans to your fights. I'm sure there will be a lot of fans on Saturday. There are many fans here today to support you. What kind of show will you put on on Saturday night?
'Pitbull' Cruz: “I want to put 1000% and all the energy people can see my good performance and deliver on Saturday night.”
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