Jose Valenzuela and Jose Benavidez Jnr react to split on social media

The fallout from the surprise split between lightweight belt-holder Jose Valenzuela and Jose Benavidez Snr, his manager and trainer, was played out like a soap opera on Wednesday night.

It all began with Valenzuela, 25, addressing rumors on social media about his next fight. The southpaw, born in Mexico and based in Renton, Washington, claimed the WBA strap with a 12-round points victory over Isaac Cruz in August to take his record to 14-2 (9 KOs).

“Just wanted to clear some things I’ve been hearing lately about my next fight,” Valenzuela said. “But I’m no longer in a managing or training relationship with Jose Benavidez Snr or his team. It’s time to move forward. Stay tuned for the announcement of my next fight – it’s coming soon!”

At the time of the social media post, however, Benavidez Snr was tuned into Omar Salcido, another fighter he trains, during his upset victory over Chris Colbert on ProBoxTV.

Afterwards, Benavidez Jnr responded on social media, expressing surprise at the split and the nature of its announcement.

“I am just as confused as everyone else regarding Jose Valenzuela recent Instagram post [about] us not working together,” the trainer wrote. “I have not received any communication from Jose Valenzuela requesting to part ways.

“I have no problem going a different route or [him] choosing different people to work with. I took Rayo in before he turned pro and treated him like a son. Me and my sons always looked out for him and wanted the best for him. We worked our asses off together as a team to get where’s he’s at today. Success didn’t happen overnight.

“I knew deep down inside he would become a world champion even before he turned pro. So many times it seemed as if a title shot wasn’t going to come and I never gave up on him and the belt speaks for itself.

“With all the sacrifices I had to do not only on his end, but mine too, dealing with the behind the scenes bs, fighting for him to get the better fights, more money, bigger stages, etc. The list goes on.

“Jose Valenzuela could have at least been a man and talked to me first instead of sharing a post on Instagram. I am disappointed with his level of professionalism and hope he can communicate professionally.”

Valenzuela then returned to social media to respond.

“He’s lying,” he said. “He received a letter from my lawyer six days ago in his email, to his home address and to his gym.