The boxing world is abuzz with rumors surrounding the highly debated rematch between Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela and Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, scheduled as part of the undercard for the forthcoming David Benavidez versus David Morrell bout on January 25th in Las Vegas. While many fans are eager for a showdown, the excitement is tempered by the strikingly one-sided nature of their first encounter. Valenzuela, the reigning WBA light welterweight champion with a record of 14 wins and 2 losses (9 knockouts), decisively outperformed Cruz, a former champion who now stands at 26 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw (18 knockouts). This early August matchup left many questioning whether a rematch is truly warranted.
Valenzuela’s previous victory threw Cruz’s capacity to adapt and strategize into question. The August match saw Cruz—the shorter fighter at 5’10″—struggling to penetrate Valenzuela’s effective reach and agile footwork. Cruz was quickly on the back foot, his attempts to land significant blows thwarted by Valenzuela’s superior boxing skills. The judges solidified Valenzuela’s victory with scores indicating a clear lead, casting doubt on whether Cruz’s performance could justify a second chance on the grand stage. If the first bout had been a nail-biting contest, the buzz surrounding the rematch would be palpable; instead, fans are left with mixed feelings.
Rumors about the rematch gained traction when José Benavidez Sr. confirmed that efforts are underway to place this rematch on the prestigious co-main event of the Benavidez versus Morrell fight card. Commentary on social media reflects a spectrum of opinions—while some fans are thrilled at the prospect of seeing how Cruz may adapt, others remain skeptical, highlighting that Cruz’s previous loss hindered the rematch’s appeal. This duality in fan perspective further cultivates skepticism about the match’s significance, with several observers believing Cruz must first prove his mettle against a formidable opponent before warranting a rematch with Valenzuela.
Meanwhile, the spotlight remains firmly on the headlining matchup between Benavidez and Morrell, both of whom promise a thrilling contest. Benavidez, known for his resilience, faced tremendous pressure in his last fight against Oleksandr Gvozdyk, suggesting his fighting style may be susceptible to rapid counterattacks. Morrell—a serious contender possessing one-punch knockout power—could present a formidable challenge. The anticipation surrounding this headliner far exceeds the discussions on Valenzuela and Cruz, directing attention to potential implications for the boxing landscape, particularly concerning the outcome of possible future encounters involving champions like Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
As January draws near, the boxing community will keenly await the results of these highly anticipated matchups. While the rematch between Valenzuela and Cruz stirs mixed feelings, the high-stakes clash between Benavidez and Morrell promises fireworks. Time will tell if the rematch lives up to the hype or serves simply to echo the previous decisive victory. Ultimately, the boxing narrative continues to unfold, with overarching rivalries and match histories shaping future bouts and fan expectations alike.