Edwin De Los Santos Calls Jose Valenzuela Rematch ‘quite Unnecessary’ Ahead Of June 28 Clash

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The Dominican contender stopped Valenzuela in the third round when they met two years ago and will look to repeat that performance on June 28 at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. Although Valenzuela has argued the outcome was influenced by accepting the original fight on short notice, De Los Santos said that explanation doesn’t hold up.

“To be honest, this rematch was quite unnecessary since you saw the result that happened the first fight,” De Los Santos said to Zuffa Boxing. “Whether it’s going to be by decision or by knockout, it’s going to be the same result.

“He says he took the fight on short notice, but the person who actually got the short notice was myself with only two weeks’ notice, and you saw what happened either way.”

The 25-year-old has not fought since his scheduled world title bout with Keyshawn Davis collapsed after Davis failed to make weight. Rather than dwell on the missed opportunity, De Los Santos said he is focused on making the most of his return under the Zuffa Boxing banner.

“It’s very unfortunate that Keyshawn didn’t make weight for a world title, but things happen for a reason,” De Los Santos said. “I’m very happy and very grateful to be here with Zuffa Boxing and to get my career going.”

While De Los Santos expects another entertaining fight with Valenzuela, he remains convinced the outcome won’t change despite the extra preparation time both fighters have had heading into the rematch.

“Nothing against Jose Valenzuela,” De Los Santos said. “It’s going to be an absolute spectacle. The fans are looking for this rematch, but I’m here to fight. I’m here to win, and we’re going to show the world that Edwin De Los Santos is the real deal.”