Jose “El Rayo” Valenzuela Secures Controversial TKO Victory Over Edwin De Los Santos
Jose “El Rayo” Valenzuela, a 27-year-old Mexican-born boxer, secured a controversial technical knockout (TKO) over Dominican boxer Edwin De Los Santos during a lightweight bout at The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas on June 28, 2026, according to reports. The victory, which came in the second round after Valenzuela landed a devastating right hook that sent De Los Santos to the canvas, has sparked calls for a review of the decision.
The referee, Thomas Taylor, did not penalize Valenzuela for delivering a blow to De Los Santos’s head while the Dominican fighter was on one knee, a move that could constitute a foul under boxing rules. De Los Santos’s corner has since requested the Commissione Pugilistica del Nevada to reconsider the result, citing the controversial finish.
Valenzuela, who entered the fight with a record of 16-3, avenged a 2022 loss to De Los Santos, who holds a 17-3 record with 15 knockouts. The bout, promoted by Zuffa Boxing, saw both fighters trade heavy punches in the opening round before Valenzuela’s decisive strike in the second.
Other Highlights from the Card: Close Decisions in Key Divisions
In the welterweight division, California’s Cain Sandoval (18-1) narrowly defeated Brandun Lee (30-1) in a split decision, with judges scoring the fight 96-94, 97-93, and 95-95, according to *BoxingScene.com*. The fight was described as “evenly contested” by commentators, with Sandoval’s resilience in the later rounds tipping the scales.
In the featherweight class, Los Angeles-based Omar Trinidad (21-0-2) defeated former IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas (38-5-2) via unanimous decision, with all three judges awarding him 97-93. Ancajas, a Filipino champion, struggled to adapt to Trinidad’s aggressive style, per *ESPN Boxing*.
What Happens Next? Controversy Could Lead to Appeal
The outcome of Valenzuela vs. De Los Santos remains under scrutiny. The Commissione Pugilistica del Nevada has not yet announced whether it will review the decision, but the fight’s contentious finish has drawn attention from boxing analysts.
Valenzuela’s team has not commented on the controversy, while De Los Santos’s camp plans to file a formal appeal by July 5. The case could set a precedent for how fouls are handled in future bouts.
Why This Matters: The Pressure on Referees and Officials
The incident highlights the challenges faced by boxing officials in high-stakes matches. According to a 2023 study by the National Institute for Sports Medicine, 12% of contested decisions in major promotions involved disputed fouls or