Isaac Cruz vs. Jose Valenzuela: Start time, odds, how to watch super lightweight bout

Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz will take on Jose Valenzuela at BMO Stadium (above) tonight. This will actually be the first time BMO Stadium has ever hosted boxing, and what a card it will host.

Outside of the main event – Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov – there is still a myriad of matches with intrigue including former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. in his first match in two years taking on Jarrell Miller, and Cruz vs. Valenzuela of course.

Pitbull Cruz has gained somewhat of a cult following recently thanks to his all-out style and strong performance against Gervonta Davis . His route to the WBA title was impressive to say the least, which makes his decision to fight Jose Valenzuela in his first title defense all the more curious. Valenzuela has lost two of his last three fights and lost by knockout to Edwin De Los Santos less than two years ago.

Valenzuela looked phenomenal in his most recent match against Chris Colbert, but that is still not enough to inspire much confidence against someone as hot as Cruz. Here's everything to know about tonight's bout.

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Predictions for Cruz vs. Valenzuela

Joey Mills, BetFred Insights : Cruz by knockout

Mills writes, "Valenzuela is keen and talented, but Cruz is a fighter of genuine world class." He adds, "Cruz has knocked out 18 men across his 26 victories. He will be approaching this bout looking to do the same."

Rohit Lohan, Essentially Sports : Cruz to win, Valenzuela could keep it close

Lohan writes, "[Cruz] can land effective punches throughout the fight. He has what it takes to fight a tall, lanky southpaw and beat him. The fans still remember his fight with Giovanni Cabrera, the closest bout of his career, but he slowly broke him down. He has the experience to do the same to Valenzuela, too. He has the credentials, too."

Cruz vs. Valenzuela odds, lines:

Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz is expected to retain his WBA title in Saturday's fight against Jose Valenzuela, according to the BetMGM odds . Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering sports betting promos in 2024 .

Odds as of Thursday evening.

• Isaac Cruz: -450
• Tie: +2000
• Jose Valenzuela: +290

How to watch Cruz vs. Valenzuela:

When: Saturday, August 3, 2024

Time: 9:30 p.m. ET (approx.)/6:30 p.m. PT

Where: BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, CA

Streaming: DAZN (pay-per-view), Prime Video (pay-per-view), ESPN+ (pay-per-view)

Watch the fight: Watch headline fights with an ESPN+ subscription

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Isaac Cruz vs. Jose Valenzuela: Start time, odds, how to watch super lightweight bout