Jose Valenzuela’s rise in the boxing world has been nothing short of remarkable. A year ago, he was reeling from a second consecutive loss. Yet, when the situation seemed dire, he made a stunning comeback. After avenging his loss to Chris Colbert, Valenzuela defeated Isaac Cruz and claimed his first world title.

Just as the boxing world was speculating about his next move, a surprising development emerged. Valenzuela shared on social media that he had parted ways with his long-time trainer, Jose Benavidez Sr. Now according to the latest update, the Sinaloa, Mexico native has filed a lawsuit against Benavidez Sr. and boxing attorney David Garcia. Some key insights about the lawsuit have emerged.

Legal Dispute Over Management Contract

Reportedly, Valenzuela’s lawsuit centers around his management agreement with Benavidez and Garcia. The contract, which was signed on December 24, 2021, runs through December 24, 2026. According to reports, the revenue split was structured as follows: Valenzuela would receive 66.67%, Benavidez Sr. would receive 25%, and Garcia would receive 8.33%. Additionally, Valenzuela was to receive nearly 70% of earnings from endorsements and royalties, with Benavidez and Garcia splitting the remaining 30%.

“🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Valenzuela claims Benavidez arranged better and bigger boxing matches for his other clients, including his sons David Benavidez and Jose Benavidez Jr.,” read the tweet from Brunch Boxing. Furthermore, Valenzuela alleges that neither Benavidez nor Garcia were licensed as managers or promoters in California at the time the contract was executed.

According to ‘El Rayo’, it seems the contract wasn’t executed with California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) approval or through their forms, nor did parties appear before CSAC representatives for validation. The message further details, “Valenzuela claims the contract was executed without his written informed consent and without his knowledge of its illegality, due to Garcia representing two individuals with conflicting interests and with Garcia receiving a financial interest in it as his manager. Valenzuela believes this is in violation of rules.”

So as a relief, Jose Valenzuela reportedly sought release from the agreement to explore ‘other management representation’. Additionally, he believes that the payments made under the disputed contract should be returned. Reports indicate that the CSAC has placed Valenzuela’s future boxing purses in escrow until the dispute is resolved.

Before the lawsuit

In response to Valenzuela’s social media post about parting ways, Jose Benavidez Sr. expressed surprise. He stated that he had no issue with ending their partnership. But Benavidez Sr. also noted that he had not received any communication from Valenzuela regarding the split. “I am just as confused as everyone else regarding Jose Valenzuela recent Instagram post of us not working together. I have not received any communication from Jose Valenzuela requesting to part ways,” Benavidez Sr. wrote on Instagram.

It now seems that the next phase of this situation will play out in court, where lawyers from both sides will present their cases. Only time will tell how this dispute will unfold. The outcome remains uncertain, but this case highlights the challenges that can arise in professional relationships.

Now training under Robert Garcia, Valenzuela is expected to return to the ring on March 1, as part of the Gervonta Davis–Lamont Roach Jr. card. Reports suggest that he may face Gary Antuanne Russell in his first title defense.

Setting aside the ongoing legal matters, the question remains: Should Valenzuela have pursued a rematch with Isaac Cruz first?