Former heavyweight champ Andy Ruiz Jr. will fight longtime contender Luis Ortiz on Sept. 4 in Los Angeles.
Andy Ruiz Jr.’s return is official.
The former heavyweight titleholder will face longtime contender Luis Ortiz in a pay-per-view bout Sept. 4 at Crypto-com Arena (formerly Staples Center) in Los Angeles.
Ruiz (34-2, 22 KOs) hasn’t fought since May of last year, when he outpointed Chris Arreola.
“I’m so excited to get back in the ring in front of all of my fans in Los Angeles on September 4,” said Ruiz, who is from Imperial, California. “This is my chance to prove to everyone that I’m going to be heavyweight champion of the world again. I’m super motivated to be facing a great fighter like Luis Ortiz, so my fans can expect to see me at my best.
“Everyone has wanted to see this fight, and we’re going to give everyone a war on fight night.”
Ruiz shook up the boxing world when he stopped Anthony Joshua to win three of the four major titles belts in June 2019. Joshua, boxing carefully, outpointed a blown up version of Ruiz in the rematch six months later.
Ortiz (33-2, 28 KOs) might be making his last run at a heavyweight title at 43 years old.
The hard-punching Cuban defector failed in two attempts to take the WBC belt from Deontay Wilder in 2018 and the following year, getting stopped both times.
He still dreams of having a belt wrapped around his waist. And a victory over Ruiz would be a significant step in that direction.
“I’m blessed to be back in a position to get closer to achieving my goal of becoming the first heavyweight champion of the world from Cuba,” said Ortiz, who is coming off knockout victories over Alexander Flores and Charles Martin. “Anyone who doubts me has only fueled me to keep going. I know that I have to make a big statement in this fight, and that’s my plan on September 4.
“I respect Andy Ruiz, but he’s standing in my way, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to go through him.”
Also on the card:
Former lightweight title challenger Isaac Cruz (23-2-1, 16 KOs) will face Eduardo Ramirez (27-2-3, 12 KOs) in a 12-round lightweight bout.
Lightweight prospect Jose Valenzuela (12-0, 8 KOs) will take on veteran Jezreel Corrales (26-4, 10 KOs) in a scheduled 10-rounder.
And former three-division titleholder-turned-broadcaster Abner Mares (31-3-1, 15 KOs) will begin a comeback against Miguel Flores (25-4, 12 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round junior lightweight bout. Mares hasn’t fought since June 2018.
Former heavyweight champ Andy Ruiz Jr. will fight longtime contender Luis Ortiz on Sept. 4 in Los Angeles.
Andy Ruiz Jr.’s return is official.
The former heavyweight titleholder will face longtime contender Luis Ortiz in a pay-per-view bout Sept. 4 at Crypto-com Arena (formerly Staples Center) in Los Angeles.
Ruiz (34-2, 22 KOs) hasn’t fought since May of last year, when he outpointed Chris Arreola.
“I’m so excited to get back in the ring in front of all of my fans in Los Angeles on September 4,” said Ruiz, who is from Imperial, California. “This is my chance to prove to everyone that I’m going to be heavyweight champion of the world again. I’m super motivated to be facing a great fighter like Luis Ortiz, so my fans can expect to see me at my best.
“Everyone has wanted to see this fight, and we’re going to give everyone a war on fight night.”
Ruiz shook up the boxing world when he stopped Anthony Joshua to win three of the four major titles belts in June 2019. Joshua, boxing carefully, outpointed a blown up version of Ruiz in the rematch six months later.
Ortiz (33-2, 28 KOs) might be making his last run at a heavyweight title at 43 years old.
The hard-punching Cuban defector failed in two attempts to take the WBC belt from Deontay Wilder in 2018 and the following year, getting stopped both times.
He still dreams of having a belt wrapped around his waist. And a victory over Ruiz would be a significant step in that direction.
“I’m blessed to be back in a position to get closer to achieving my goal of becoming the first heavyweight champion of the world from Cuba,” said Ortiz, who is coming off knockout victories over Alexander Flores and Charles Martin. “Anyone who doubts me has only fueled me to keep going. I know that I have to make a big statement in this fight, and that’s my plan on September 4.
“I respect Andy Ruiz, but he’s standing in my way, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to go through him.”
Also on the card:
Former lightweight title challenger Isaac Cruz (23-2-1, 16 KOs) will face Eduardo Ramirez (27-2-3, 12 KOs) in a 12-round lightweight bout.
Lightweight prospect Jose Valenzuela (12-0, 8 KOs) will take on veteran Jezreel Corrales (26-4, 10 KOs) in a scheduled 10-rounder.
And former three-division titleholder-turned-broadcaster Abner Mares (31-3-1, 15 KOs) will begin a comeback against Miguel Flores (25-4, 12 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round junior lightweight bout. Mares hasn’t fought since June 2018.
A critical look at the past week in boxing GOOD Errol Spence Jr.’s dominating victory over Yordenis Ugas was special … but it was nothing compared to what might follow. Spence was nothing short of sensational on Saturday at AT&T Stadium outside …
A critical look at the past week in boxing
GOOD
Errol Spence Jr.’s dominating victory over Yordenis Ugas was special … but it was nothing compared to what might follow.
Spence was nothing short of sensational on Saturday at AT&T Stadium outside Dallas, coldly, methodically breaking down an accomplished opponent before stopping him in the 10th round to unify three welterweight titles.
The performance was particularly impressive given the obstacles he had to overcome – a horrific car accident in 2019, a detached retina last year and a 16-month layoff.
Spence (28-0, 22 KOs) is No. 5 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound – a similar position to most rankings – but some might argue that he should be closer to the top, closer to Boxing Junkie’s No. 1-ranked fighter, Terence Crawford.
That’s what makes a potential showdown between Spence and Crawford so compelling. Not only would the fight establish an undisputed welterweight champion; it would also pit two Top-5 pound-for-pounders against one another.
It doesn’t get better than that.
And the chances of it actually happening after years of anticipation appear to be high, as Spence and free-agent Crawford no longer fight for competing entities. Plus, Spence never made it more clear than he did after the fight on Saturday that he wants to meet Crawford in the ring.
I wish the fight had happened a few years ago, when Crawford (who turns 35 in September) was in his physical prime. However, this wouldn’t be like Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao, which had the feel of an old-timers game because it happened far too late.
Spence demonstrated on Saturday night that he’s at least close to his best. And Crawford is coming off an impressive knockout of former champion Shawn Porter in November, evidence that he remains near the top of his game.
Spence vs. Crawford might be the biggest possible fight in boxing. Fingers crossed it happens in the fall.
BAD
Yordenis Ugas was deavstated after his setback. AP Photo / Jeffrey McWhorter
“I feel sad because I trained really hard for this fight,” Ugas said after falling short of goal to become unified welterweight champion. “All respect to Errol Spence. He’s a great champion. I’m just sad with what happened tonight.”
Ugas’ sentiments are understandable. He experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows in consecutive fights, which is always takes a toll.
The one-time Cuban amateur star had come a long way, overcoming the trials of defection from his native country, back-to-back losses in 2014 and a subsequent two-year hiatus from the sport to build himself into a top 147-pound contender.
And his ascent was capped with a monumental upset of Manny Pacquiao last August, which gave him his first major title at the age of 34 and made him a major player in the division.
Then, in one night, it must have felt as if he were back in 2014. He fought gallantly but was outclassed by Spence in the end, which left him on the wrong end of a one-sided beating and with a broken orbital bone. Ugas is good, Spence is special.
Thus, it was easy to understand Ugas’ anguish the fight. However, time will provide perspective.
The fact he was able to overcome the obstacles to reach the pinnacle of the sport is an accomplishment that will always bring him pride. Unlike Pacquiao, who was 42 when they fought, Ugas is young enough to continue with his career.
And, finally, we shouldn’t feel too sorry for him: He should walk away with at least $2 million after pay-per-view revenues are divvied up. That should help alleviate some of the emotional pain he’s feeling after his disappointment.
WORSE
Isaac Cruz came out the gate swinging 👀 #CruzGamboa
Then, on the Spence-Ugas card, Josesito Lopez, 37, Francisco Vargas, 37, and Yuriorkis Gamboa, 40, looked their ages.
Lopez (38-9, 21 KOs) gave welterweight contender Cody Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) some resistance early in their scheduled 10-rounder but seemed to get old mid-fight and was barely able to hear the final bell, as Crowley won a wide decision.
Lopez was one of the toughest fighters in the world between 135 and 147 pounds for years, including a knockout victory over Victor Ortiz. Now it appears he’s finished.
Vargas (27-4-2, 19 KOs) was still warming up when a monster left hand from lightweight prospect Jose Valenzuela knocked him onto his back and out. It’s difficult to imagine the former 130-pound champ bouncing back from that kind of setback but he’s a warrior through and through.
And Gamboa (30-5, 18 KOs) went down four times against juggernaut Isaac Cruz before the fight was mercifully stopped in the fifth round. The 2004 Olympic gold medalist and two-time featherweight champion was willing but no longer has the legs to fight at a high level. He’s shot.
I don’t want to be overly critical of matchmakers who tempt fate by pitting faded champions against hot young stars. Matchmaking is the hardest job in boxing. Plus, older fighters deserve opportunities if they can demonstrate they remain competent.
At the same time, the events of Saturday made it clear that matchmakers and other powerbrokers must be careful about making such decisions.
RABBIT PUNCHES
Benn (21-0, 14 KOs) demonstrated again in his victory over van Heerden that he could develop into a threat to any of the top 147-pounders. He’s a dynamic all-around fighter with big-time power. Ask van Heerden. The only obvious flaw in Benn’s performance was that he was somewhat reckless from the opening bell. If he attacked a Spence or a Crawford with the abandon he went after van Heerden, he’d get knocked out. … Eimantas Stanionis (14-0, 9 KOs) took another nice step in his career on the Spence-Ugas card, defeating previously unbeaten Radzhab Butaev (14-1, 11 KOs) by a split decision that should’ve been unanimous. He’s on the precipice of landing a world title fight and he might have the ability to win it. … Valenzuela (12-0, 8 KOs) made a powerful statement with his one-punch knockout of Vargas. The Seattle-based Mexican, a disciple of trainer Jose Benavidez Sr., is one of the top handful of prospects in the world. … I don’t know how far Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) will go but he’s a good, disciplined boxer with the fitness to go 20 strong rounds. That formula is going to make him difficult to beat even at the highest level. … The knockout streak of junior welterweight Brandun Lee (25-0, 22 KOs) ended at 15 when clever Zachary Ochoa (21-3, 7 KOs) took him the distance on the Spence-Ugas card. No shame in that. He probably learned more during the unanimous-decision victory than he would’ve with another spectacular stoppage.
A critical look at the past week in boxing GOOD Errol Spence Jr.’s dominating victory over Yordenis Ugas was special … but it was nothing compared to what might follow. Spence was nothing short of sensational on Saturday at AT&T Stadium outside …
A critical look at the past week in boxing
GOOD
Errol Spence Jr.’s dominating victory over Yordenis Ugas was special … but it was nothing compared to what might follow.
Spence was nothing short of sensational on Saturday at AT&T Stadium outside Dallas, coldly, methodically breaking down an accomplished opponent before stopping him in the 10th round to unify three welterweight titles.
The performance was particularly impressive given the obstacles he had to overcome – a horrific car accident in 2019, a detached retina last year and a 16-month layoff.
Spence (28-0, 22 KOs) is No. 5 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound – a similar position to most rankings – but some might argue that he should be closer to the top, closer to Boxing Junkie’s No. 1-ranked fighter, Terence Crawford.
That’s what makes a potential showdown between Spence and Crawford so compelling. Not only would the fight establish an undisputed welterweight champion; it would also pit two Top-5 pound-for-pounders against one another.
It doesn’t get better than that.
And the chances of it actually happening after years of anticipation appear to be high, as Spence and free-agent Crawford no longer fight for competing entities. Plus, Spence never made it more clear than he did after the fight on Saturday that he wants to meet Crawford in the ring.
I wish the fight had happened a few years ago, when Crawford (who turns 35 in September) was in his physical prime. However, this wouldn’t be like Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao, which had the feel of an old-timers game because it happened far too late.
Spence demonstrated on Saturday night that he’s at least close to his best. And Crawford is coming off an impressive knockout of former champion Shawn Porter in November, evidence that he remains near the top of his game.
Spence vs. Crawford might be the biggest possible fight in boxing. Fingers crossed it happens in the fall.
BAD
Yordenis Ugas was deavstated after his setback. AP Photo / Jeffrey McWhorter
“I feel sad because I trained really hard for this fight,” Ugas said after falling short of goal to become unified welterweight champion. “All respect to Errol Spence. He’s a great champion. I’m just sad with what happened tonight.”
Ugas’ sentiments are understandable. He experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows in consecutive fights, which is always takes a toll.
The one-time Cuban amateur star had come a long way, overcoming the trials of defection from his native country, back-to-back losses in 2014 and a subsequent two-year hiatus from the sport to build himself into a top 147-pound contender.
And his ascent was capped with a monumental upset of Manny Pacquiao last August, which gave him his first major title at the age of 34 and made him a major player in the division.
Then, in one night, it must have felt as if he were back in 2014. He fought gallantly but was outclassed by Spence in the end, which left him on the wrong end of a one-sided beating and with a broken orbital bone. Ugas is good, Spence is special.
Thus, it was easy to understand Ugas’ anguish the fight. However, time will provide perspective.
The fact he was able to overcome the obstacles to reach the pinnacle of the sport is an accomplishment that will always bring him pride. Unlike Pacquiao, who was 42 when they fought, Ugas is young enough to continue with his career.
And, finally, we shouldn’t feel too sorry for him: He should walk away with at least $2 million after pay-per-view revenues are divvied up. That should help alleviate some of the emotional pain he’s feeling after his disappointment.
WORSE
Isaac Cruz came out the gate swinging 👀 #CruzGamboa
Then, on the Spence-Ugas card, Josesito Lopez, 37, Francisco Vargas, 37, and Yuriorkis Gamboa, 40, looked their ages.
Lopez (38-9, 21 KOs) gave welterweight contender Cody Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) some resistance early in their scheduled 10-rounder but seemed to get old mid-fight and was barely able to hear the final bell, as Crowley won a wide decision.
Lopez was one of the toughest fighters in the world between 135 and 147 pounds for years, including a knockout victory over Victor Ortiz. Now it appears he’s finished.
Vargas (27-4-2, 19 KOs) was still warming up when a monster left hand from lightweight prospect Jose Valenzuela knocked him onto his back and out. It’s difficult to imagine the former 130-pound champ bouncing back from that kind of setback but he’s a warrior through and through.
And Gamboa (30-5, 18 KOs) went down four times against juggernaut Isaac Cruz before the fight was mercifully stopped in the fifth round. The 2004 Olympic gold medalist and two-time featherweight champion was willing but no longer has the legs to fight at a high level. He’s shot.
I don’t want to be overly critical of matchmakers who tempt fate by pitting faded champions against hot young stars. Matchmaking is the hardest job in boxing. Plus, older fighters deserve opportunities if they can demonstrate they remain competent.
At the same time, the events of Saturday made it clear that matchmakers and other powerbrokers must be careful about making such decisions.
RABBIT PUNCHES
Benn (21-0, 14 KOs) demonstrated again in his victory over van Heerden that he could develop into a threat to any of the top 147-pounders. He’s a dynamic all-around fighter with big-time power. Ask van Heerden. The only obvious flaw in Benn’s performance was that he was somewhat reckless from the opening bell. If he attacked a Spence or a Crawford with the abandon he went after van Heerden, he’d get knocked out. … Eimantas Stanionis (14-0, 9 KOs) took another nice step in his career on the Spence-Ugas card, defeating previously unbeaten Radzhab Butaev (14-1, 11 KOs) by a split decision that should’ve been unanimous. He’s on the precipice of landing a world title fight and he might have the ability to win it. … Valenzuela (12-0, 8 KOs) made a powerful statement with his one-punch knockout of Vargas. The Seattle-based Mexican, a disciple of trainer Jose Benavidez Sr., is one of the top handful of prospects in the world. … I don’t know how far Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) will go but he’s a good, disciplined boxer with the fitness to go 20 strong rounds. That formula is going to make him difficult to beat even at the highest level. … The knockout streak of junior welterweight Brandun Lee (25-0, 22 KOs) ended at 15 when clever Zachary Ochoa (21-3, 7 KOs) took him the distance on the Spence-Ugas card. No shame in that. He probably learned more during the unanimous-decision victory than he would’ve with another spectacular stoppage.
Jose Valenzuela stopped Francisco Vargas with one shot in the first round Saturday in Arlington, Texas.
Jose Valenzuela knows how to get your attention.
The 22-year-old lightweight prospect stopped veteran Francisco Vargas with a single left to the chin in the first round of a scheduled 10-rounder on the Errol Spence Jr.-Yordenis Ugas card Saturday in Arlington, Texas.
Valenzuela (12-0, 8 KOs) now has four first round knockouts, although none was more dramatic than the one on Saturday.
Jose Valenzuela took out Francisco Vargas in a huge first round knockout 😱
He and Vargas (27-4-2, 19 KOs) were in the process of sizing one another up when Valenzuela landed a looping left hand, which put Vargas on his back and hurt him badly.
Referee Mark Calo oy rushed to the fallen fighter, looked into his eyes and immediately waved off the fight. Vargas was able to get up but was helped to his stool.
The official time of the stoppage was 1:25.
“I stayed calm in there and when I saw the opening …,” Valenzuela said.
He went on: “I was expecting him to get up but I took another look back and he was still down. It was a good punch.”
The fight was only Valenzuela’s third scheduled 10-rounder, which means he won’t be fighting for a world title anytime soon. That said, performances like this one portend special things from him.
He knows what his job is going forward.
“Just keep fighting good fighters, like him, a rugged fighter,” Valenzuela said. “Whatever they have planned, I’m willing to do.”
Jose Valenzuela stopped Francisco Vargas with one shot in the first round Saturday in Arlington, Texas.
Jose Valenzuela knows how to get your attention.
The 22-year-old lightweight prospect stopped veteran Francisco Vargas with a single left to the chin in the first round of a scheduled 10-rounder on the Errol Spence Jr.-Yordenis Ugas card Saturday in Arlington, Texas.
Valenzuela (12-0, 8 KOs) now has four first round knockouts, although none was more dramatic than the one on Saturday.
Jose Valenzuela took out Francisco Vargas in a huge first round knockout 😱
He and Vargas (27-4-2, 19 KOs) were in the process of sizing one another up when Valenzuela landed a looping left hand, which put Vargas on his back and hurt him badly.
Referee Mark Calo oy rushed to the fallen fighter, looked into his eyes and immediately waved off the fight. Vargas was able to get up but was helped to his stool.
The official time of the stoppage was 1:25.
“I stayed calm in there and when I saw the opening …,” Valenzuela said.
He went on: “I was expecting him to get up but I took another look back and he was still down. It was a good punch.”
The fight was only Valenzuela’s third scheduled 10-rounder, which means he won’t be fighting for a world title anytime soon. That said, performances like this one portend special things from him.
He knows what his job is going forward.
“Just keep fighting good fighters, like him, a rugged fighter,” Valenzuela said. “Whatever they have planned, I’m willing to do.”
Jose Valenzuela defeated Deiner Berrio by a unanimous decision on Saturday in Bakersfield, Calif.
Lightweight prospect Jose Valenzuela looked the part against Deiner Berrio on Saturday in Bakersfield, Calif.
Valenzuela (10-0, 6 KOs) outworked his veteran opponent to win a wide decision in the 10-round bout on Fox Sports 1, his first main event on national television.
The scores were 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92, all for Valenzuela.
The Seattle-based Mexican got off to a quick start, outlanding Berrio (22-4-1, 13 KOs) by a large margin in the first several rounds. The Colombian, an awkward fighter, had some good moments in the middle rounds but Valenzuela took everything Berrio landed and controlled the fight down the stretch.
The fighters didn’t hold back in a wild 10th round but neither was hurt.
Valenzuela, who is trained by Jose Benavidez Sr., was taking part in his first 10-rounder.
On the undercard, Rajon Chance (5-0-1, 5 KOs) and Elon De Jesus (3-0-1, 2 KOs) fought to a majority draw in a six-round junior featherweight bout.
Jose Valenzuela defeated Deiner Berrio by a unanimous decision on Saturday in Bakersfield, Calif.
Lightweight prospect Jose Valenzuela looked the part against Deiner Berrio on Saturday in Bakersfield, Calif.
Valenzuela (10-0, 6 KOs) outworked his veteran opponent to win a wide decision in the 10-round bout on Fox Sports 1, his first main event on national television.
The scores were 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92, all for Valenzuela.
The Seattle-based Mexican got off to a quick start, outlanding Berrio (22-4-1, 13 KOs) by a large margin in the first several rounds. The Colombian, an awkward fighter, had some good moments in the middle rounds but Valenzuela took everything Berrio landed and controlled the fight down the stretch.
The fighters didn’t hold back in a wild 10th round but neither was hurt.
Valenzuela, who is trained by Jose Benavidez Sr., was taking part in his first 10-rounder.
On the undercard, Rajon Chance (5-0-1, 5 KOs) and Elon De Jesus (3-0-1, 2 KOs) fought to a majority draw in a six-round junior featherweight bout.
Lightweight prospect Jose Valenzuela is determined to shine in his first main event on national television Saturday.
Jose Valenzuela wants to make the most of his biggest moment to date.
The 22-year-old lightweight prospect will face Deiner Berrio on Saturday night at Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield, Calif., his first main event on national television (Fox Sports 1).
Valenzuela, riding a streak of five consecutive knockouts, will be taking part in his first scheduled 10-rounder.
“I’ve dreamed about this moment since I was a little kid,” said Valenzuela, a native of Mexico who is trained by Jose Benavidez Sr. in Seattle. “Now I’m just ready to put on a show Saturday night and make a big statement. I have to let the whole division know that I’m here.”
He went on: “I love putting on a good performance for the fans and getting them up out of their seats. I’m a very active fighter, because I grew up watching and appreciating fighters like Manny Pacquiao and Julio Cesar Chavez.”
Valenzuela (9-0, 6 KOs) is coming off an impressive fourth-round knockout of Donte Strayhorn on Aug. 21, which was televised on Fox before the Manny Pacquiao-Yordenis Ugas pay-per-view card.
He said fans will see a better version of him on Saturday.
“You’re going to see better footwork from me in this fight,” he said. “I’m a good boxer and I’m good on my toes, but I sometimes get bored of that. I like to fight in the trenches, but I know I have to be smart and use my defense also.
“I’m going to be using my jab and different angles in this fight. I’m not going to be standing straight up in front of Berrio.”
Berrio (22-3-1, 13 KOs) will be Valenzuela’s most experienced opponent to date. The Colombian has fought three unbeaten prospects, losing by decision each time.
“Berrio has a style where he fights off his back foot, gets low and then explodes with wild overhand rights,” Valenzuela said. “It’s a weird style and definitely a little awkward. I don’t think he’s going to be able to adapt and make the adjustments he’ll need against me. I’ll be expecting a lot of wide shots from him.”
He added: “I have to show everybody that Berrio is nowhere near my level. I can’t just win. I have to win in tremendous fashion. A knockout would be great, but the most important thing is to dominate and look-good winning.”
Valenzuela said he has benefitted from working alongside David and Jose Benavidez Jr.
“It’s a great experience working with the Benavidez family,” he said. “They always push me extremely hard and they really believe that we don’t have any limits. David is also a fast-paced fighter and I think that comes from the type of training we do.”
Lightweight prospect Jose Valenzuela is determined to shine in his first main event on national television Saturday.
Jose Valenzuela wants to make the most of his biggest moment to date.
The 22-year-old lightweight prospect will face Deiner Berrio on Saturday night at Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield, Calif., his first main event on national television (Fox Sports 1).
Valenzuela, riding a streak of five consecutive knockouts, will be taking part in his first scheduled 10-rounder.
“I’ve dreamed about this moment since I was a little kid,” said Valenzuela, a native of Mexico who is trained by Jose Benavidez Sr. in Seattle. “Now I’m just ready to put on a show Saturday night and make a big statement. I have to let the whole division know that I’m here.”
He went on: “I love putting on a good performance for the fans and getting them up out of their seats. I’m a very active fighter, because I grew up watching and appreciating fighters like Manny Pacquiao and Julio Cesar Chavez.”
Valenzuela (9-0, 6 KOs) is coming off an impressive fourth-round knockout of Donte Strayhorn on Aug. 21, which was televised on Fox before the Manny Pacquiao-Yordenis Ugas pay-per-view card.
He said fans will see a better version of him on Saturday.
“You’re going to see better footwork from me in this fight,” he said. “I’m a good boxer and I’m good on my toes, but I sometimes get bored of that. I like to fight in the trenches, but I know I have to be smart and use my defense also.
“I’m going to be using my jab and different angles in this fight. I’m not going to be standing straight up in front of Berrio.”
Berrio (22-3-1, 13 KOs) will be Valenzuela’s most experienced opponent to date. The Colombian has fought three unbeaten prospects, losing by decision each time.
“Berrio has a style where he fights off his back foot, gets low and then explodes with wild overhand rights,” Valenzuela said. “It’s a weird style and definitely a little awkward. I don’t think he’s going to be able to adapt and make the adjustments he’ll need against me. I’ll be expecting a lot of wide shots from him.”
He added: “I have to show everybody that Berrio is nowhere near my level. I can’t just win. I have to win in tremendous fashion. A knockout would be great, but the most important thing is to dominate and look-good winning.”
Valenzuela said he has benefitted from working alongside David and Jose Benavidez Jr.
“It’s a great experience working with the Benavidez family,” he said. “They always push me extremely hard and they really believe that we don’t have any limits. David is also a fast-paced fighter and I think that comes from the type of training we do.”
