Jose Valenzuela rose to the occasion and shocked the boxing world, as he battered, bruised, and outboxed Isaac Cruz. The American fighter bagged the WBA super lightweight gold as a result, and he is taking some time off before deciding on what he wants to do next. It seems the decision is out, and it might upset or cheer fans, depending on whom they support.
Valenzuela, 25, finds himself mentioned either as a logical rematch with Cruz, 26, or a stepping stone for Gervonta Davis if he finally decides to move to 140 and realize his long-muted move. However, the case is not a toss-up between the opponents. The champion wants to spend the rest of the year with family and mull over his choices, of which a rematch with ‘Pitbull’ makes more sense to him.
Fight Hook News turned to its X handle and reported that ‘El Rayo’ would not fight ‘Tank’ next and rather prefer to cherish some moments with his family. The handle also pointed out that Valenzuela, at 14-2, would return to the boxing ring in 2025 for a rematch with Cruz, at 26-3-1.
The post read, “WBA Junior Welterweight Champion Jose ‘EL Rayo’ Venezuela will Not be fighting Gervonta Tank Davis and will take off the rest of the year to spend time with family and return in 2025 for a Rematch with Pitbull. #pbcboxing #josevenezuela #elrayo #mexicanboxing #venezuelacruz2.”
While the Renton resident is away from the ring for the moment, his gritty display against Cruz remains the talk of the town. Leonard Ellerbe believed it was a long time coming, but gave full credit to Valenzuela.
No surprises for Leonard Ellerbe about Jose Valenzuela’s title win
In a conversation with Fight Hub TV, Ellerbe expressed that he watched the fight but didn’t score it. But Valenzuela had made it look easy by executing the game plan to the teeth. He said, “I didn’t really score, but he made it look easy. I fully expected Rolly to do that. But that didn’t happen. Great game plan. Just boxed the guy, turned him, made him miss, and scored.”
Interestingly, contrary to the recent report by Fight Hook News, the former Mayweather Promotions CEO didn’t shun a fight between Valenzuela and Davis. But a report by Fernando Barbosa disclosed that Davis was to return to the boxing ring on November 2. His opponent is not finalized yet. But it might be safe to say that Valenzuela might not be the one because of his family commitments.
