Jose Valenzuela

José Arturo Valenzuela Gastélum, widely known as “El Rayo” for his speed and power, was born on May 25, 1999, in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico—a city with a storied boxing tradition. Standing 5 feet 10 inches with a reach of 70 inches, Valenzuela fights as a southpaw in the lightweight and light welterweight divisions. From a young age, he displayed an extraordinary ambition and resilience that have shaped his professional career. Representing the United States in his athletic pursuits, he quickly garnered a dedicated fanbase captivated by his explosive style and relentless drive.

José turned professional in 2018 and quickly built momentum with a series of knockout wins, establishing himself as a pressure fighter willing to engage early and often. Valenzuela picked up regional recognition with victories over experienced opponents such as Francisco Vargas and Chris Colbert, the latter of whom he stopped in six rounds in their December 2023 rematch.

His career has also included key setbacks that shaped his trajectory. In 2022, he suffered a stoppage loss to Edwin De Los Santos in a wild, action-heavy bout, followed by a close decision loss to Colbert earlier that year. After rebounding with the knockout win over Colbert, Valenzuela scored a notable split-decision victory over Isaac Cruz in August 2024 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, a performance that highlighted his durability and ability to compete at elite level. Valenzuela returned to the ring on March 1, 2025, facing Gary Antuanne Russell at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where he dropped a unanimous decision over twelve rounds. Despite the loss, his body of work reflects a fighter consistently tested against top-tier opposition, combining toughness, power, and a willingness to take on high-risk matchups in one of boxing’s most competitive divisions.

Valenzuela’s fighting style centers on his commanding jab, a precise, lightning-quick tool that establishes control over the ring from both offensive and defensive positions. His jab reflects his Mexican fighting heritage—fierce, relentless, and calculated—imbued with the power of a centurion guarding his territory. Whether advancing or retreating, his jab remains sharp, intercepting and dismantling opponents’ defenses with a controlled precision that disorients them.

Since parting ways with Team Benavidez, Valenzuela has transcended his role as a gladiator fighting for survival, evolving into a centurion with a purpose, competing not just for victory but to leave a lasting legacy. His footwork is efficient and powerful, enabling him to shift direction fluidly and push off his toes with the agility of a tiger, quickly covering ground to set up powerful shots. This mobility combines seamlessly with his head movement, which he employs with his hands down, slipping punches and creating angles for counterattacks. His movements are like a duck gliding on water - deceptively smooth and effortless as he transitions from evasion to offense.

Valenzuela’s “money” hook is a prime example of his controlled aggression—a short, compact shot aimed at the opponent’s chin, crafted not to simply disorient but to end fights. His uppercuts and hooks are similarly compact and forceful, and each punch is quickly followed by a reset into a tight defensive posture. His chest rotation and precise elbow placement keep his form compact and his defense formidable. After each strike, he rotates back into a guarded stance, using his shoulder to shield against counterattacks, ready to parry or slip while staying poised for his next move. This mastery over his body and positioning highlights his development as a fighter, showcasing his technical refinement and tactical acumen.

In the ring, Valenzuela’s movements encapsulate his transformation into a leader - a warrior fighting not only for personal glory but for a profound sense of heritage and purpose. Each punch, step, and defensive shift reflects his evolution from a fighter driven by survival instincts to a centurion with strategic intent and a clear sense of identity. With a distinct rhythm and purpose, he stands poised to make an enduring impact on the boxing world.