One judge scored the bout 115-113 for Cruz but was overruled by 116-112 and 116-112 scores for Valenzuela.
The win continued a stunning turnaround for Valenzuela, who suffered back-to-back defeats in 2022-23 at 135 pounds. Following a third-round knockout loss to Edwin De Los Santos, Valenzuela (14-2, 9 KOs) dropped a unanimous decision to Chris Colbert. Valenzuela's fortunes changed in the December 2023 rematch with Colbert when he scored a spectacular sixth-round knockout victory.
Following the win, Valenzuela moved up to 140 pounds to challenge for his first world title. He came through with a career-best performance, boxing with discipline against the hard-charging, ultra-popular "Pitbull" Cruz.
"I didn't get desperate," said Valenzuela, 25, who is trained by former champion Robert Garcia. "I didn't fall under the pressure. I stayed calm. I felt great. I felt like I was in control the whole time with my jab, my footwork."
#boxing