Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, the WBA light welterweight champion, will face a tough challenge against Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela in their 12-round co-feature bout, live on DAZN PPV this Saturday, August 3rd, in Los Angeles.
(Credit: Mark Robinson: Matchroom Boxing)
The 5’4″ ‘Pitbull’ Cruz’s physical disadvantages against “El Rayo” Valenzuela (13-2, 9 KOs) could be a complex stumbling block to overcome, potentially factoring into the outcome of their co-feature fight at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
Pitbull’s Predictability
“Pitbull” Cruz has made his career successful against rivals, whom he dominates in his majority via TKO. However, his wins mainly depended on an accumulation of blows, and his stamina and endurance eventually prevailed. He’s not been the type of fighter who wins his fights with one punch. He doesn’t possess one-punch power.
The fight against Gervonta Davis was in the minds of many fans and is used as a measure to predict outcomes in subsequent Cruz fights. Pitbull lost by a decision.
Some say, ‘Styles make fights.’ Maybe, but I think ‘Who imposes his will wins his fight.’ Unfortunately, Isaac Cruz is a one-dimensional fighter. He goes forward for 12 rounds, and that’s the only thing he knows how to do. Some believe Tank Davis learned a lesson, but I’m unsure.
Isaac Cruz’s strategy is simple: He goes out to find his opponent and aims to connect as many shots as possible. He’s one of those aggressive boxers we want to see on our TV screens every Saturday. It’s important to learn how to defend yourself in this sport, but the Pitbull corner doesn’t believe it’s necessary to teach him.
Valenzuela’s Explosive Power: A Threat at 140 Pounds
Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela is 13-2-0, and his record shows nine wins by KO-TKO. However, 7 of those victories were by KO, which means he’s got dynamite in his hands. Chris Colbert discovered how powerful ‘Rayo’ punches, suffering a sixth-round knockout defeat in their rematch last December.
Cruz vs. Rayo Valenzuela is a fight between a man who attacks without hesitation and a puncher who can change the course of the fight with a single shot.
In addition to what we saw in Rayo’s fight against Colbert, “The Lightning” Valenzuela improved his technical skills. His footwork was decisive, and he finished that fight with an impressive KO. I believe that Cruz has never faced a rival with all those physical advantages and that kind of power.
This fight will be held at 140 pounds, with ‘Pitbull’ Cruz’s WBA super light world title on the line. It will be Valenzuela’s debut at 140. If “El Rayo” retains his power of shots in this new weight class, Pitbull Cruz isn’t the only fighter who will face issues with this.
Cruz and Valenzuela defeated former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas. Isaac Cruz beat him in June 2021 by a ten-round unanimous decision, while Valenzuela destroyed him by a first-round knockout in April 2022.
Although Cruz is the bettering favorite, Valenzuela can end the contest anytime.
If Valenzuela can withstand Cruz’s pressure from the start and manages to keep him at a convenient distance, I do not doubt that the fight could have an explosive, upset ending.
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