Aug 5, 2024 - Sports

Renton's "El Rayo" wins upset victory over "Pitbull"

Christine Clarridge

A boxer in his corner holds up his hands and a medal after a victory. — Jose "El Rayo" Valenzuela celebrates his underdog victory on Saturday. Photo: Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images

Washington's Jose "El Rayo" Valenzuela won an upset victory in a split decision over Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz of Mexico City in a 12-round battle for the WBA World junior welterweight title Saturday.

Why it matters: The up-and-coming 25-year-old southpaw is considered "one of the hottest young fighters in the game, combining speed, power and ring intelligence beyond his years," according to Premier Boxing Champions (PBC).

Catch up quick: Born in Los Mochis, Mexico, Valenzuela moved with his family to the Seattle area as a toddler and discovered his love of the sport when he walked into the Azteca Boxing Club in Renton at around 10 years old, per PBC.

He originally trained in Oregon with José Benavidez Sr., the patriarch of the fighting Benavidez family, but was in the ring most recently with Robert Garcia, a three-time RING Magazine Trainer of the Year.

What they're saying: "Dream come true," Valenzuela said after the match. "This is not for me, this is for my mom and dad, and for all of their sacrifices. This is to pay them back."

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Renton's "El Rayo" wins upset victory over "Pitbull"

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