Edwin De Los Santos’ manager filed an appeal following the welterweight boxer’s second-round knockout loss to Jose Valenzuela at a Zuffa Boxing card on Sunday, according to a press release from De Los Santos’ management team. The appeal centers on claims of “unusual technical fouls” during the bout, though no official ruling has been issued by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), which oversees the event.
The match, held at the Dolby Arena in Las Vegas, saw Valenzuela secure a technical knockout (TKO) in the second round after De Los Santos sustained a cut above his left eye. The NSAC’s official report notes the injury was caused by a legal punch, but De Los Santos’ team argues the cut was exacerbated by “inconsistent refereeing” and “improper medical protocol” during the fight’s later stages.
Details of the Fight and Immediate Aftermath
The bout, part of Zuffa’s July 20, 2024, card, was the co-main event. De Los Santos, a 29-year-old from Mexico City, entered the fight with a 15-2-1 record, while Valenzuela, 31, carried a 20-3-0 slate. According to the NSAC’s fight report, De Los Santos’ corner stopped the fight after the second-round cut became “non-fatal but visually alarming,” citing medical guidelines that require immediate cessation of action in such cases.
De Los Santos’ manager, Juan Mendoza, stated in a press release: “We are confident the referee and medical team failed to adhere to standard protocols. The cut was not the result of a single punch but a series of repeated strikes that were not properly assessed. This appeal is not about disputing the outcome, but ensuring accountability for the process.”
Appeal Process and Next Steps
The NSAC’s appeal process typically takes 14–21 days, with decisions rendered by a panel of commissioners. A spokesperson for the commission confirmed the appeal was received but emphasized that “no findings have been made yet.” The commission’s rules allow for appeals based on “judicial errors, procedural missteps, or new evidence,” though the threshold for overturning a result is high.
Valenzuela’s camp has not publicly responded to the appeal. However, a representative for Valenzuela’s promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, stated: “We respect the process and trust the NSAC to uphold the integrity of the sport. Jose fought with precision and discipline, and the outcome reflects his performance.”
Historical Context and Precedents
This appeal echoes similar disputes in boxing history, such as the 2019 case involving Terence Crawford, where a controversial stoppage led to a review by the Nevada commission. In that instance, the ruling was upheld, but the process highlighted the challenges of assessing in-ring injuries in real time.
De Los Santos’ team has also pointed to a 2022 incident involving another welterweight bout, where a cut injury led to a post-fight appeal and a subsequent fine for the referee. “This isn’t an isolated issue,” Mendoza said. “The system needs transparency, especially when fighters’ careers hang in the balance.”
What Happens Next?
The NSAC is expected to schedule a hearing within the next two weeks. If the appeal is denied, De Los Santos could face a mandatory sanction, including a potential suspension or fines. If granted, the outcome could be re-evaluated, though overturning a TKO is rare. The commission’s final decision will be published on its official website.
For now, both fighters remain active in their respective camps. De Los Santos is scheduled to train for a November 2024 matchup, while Valenzuela is preparing for a title defense in January 2025. The appeal’s resolution could influence their future matchups and the broader conversation around in-ring medical protocols.
Readers seeking updates should monitor the NSAC’s website or follow official statements from De Los Santos’ management. Comments and questions about the appeal are welcome below.