Archie Sharp Wants Oscar Valdez for Vacant WBO Title Fight
A void was left in the junior lightweight division when Shakur Stevenson was stripped of the WBC and WBO titles after failing to make weight for his fight with Robson Conceicao. As 3Kings Boxing previously reported, current WBC featherweight champ Rey Vargas will face O’Shaquie Foster for the vacant WBC 130-pound crown. In the case of the WBO title, #1 contender Archie Sharp (22-0, 9 KOs) is sure to be a part of any conversations.
TALKING UP A FIGHT
The 27-year-old Sharp is likely to get first dibs to fight for the WBO world championship. During an interview with Probellum Promotions, Sharp talked about who he thinks would be his possible opponent.
“Ideally, me versus Valdez is what will happen. I’m number one, Valdez is number three, and so that fight makes sense. I’m blessed to have a great team, and I’m sure Probellum can get what we want over the line. At the minute, I’m just sitting here and waiting. I’m just keeping myself in shape and just being prepared to get the phone call to say there’s a big fight.”
Sharp is referencing two-division champ Oscar Valdez (30-1, 23 KOs). Based on the rankings alone, a Sharp-Valdez matchup would make sense. Conceicao is the WBO number two ranked contender. However, he just lost to Stevenson by decision on September 23.
Valdez is coming off a loss to Stevenson in a unification bout in April 2022. A previous WBO champion at 126, Valdez is in good standing with the sanctioning body.
LIKES HIS CHANCES
When asked how he would fare against Valdez, Sharp was respectful but confident that he would come out victorious.
“Valdez is a typical Mexican fighter. He’s game, he’s strong, and he’s always in good shape. He’s a great fighter, and he’s done a lot over the years, but I feel I will do exactly what Shakur did to him and out-box him; and if we put the pressure on him, who knows? We might be able to get him out of there.”
There’s been no official word from the WBO. Their headquarters are in San Juan, Puerto Rico, which is still recovering from damage as a result of Hurricane Ian. They announced that their offices are closed for the immediate future. So at the moment, things are in a bit of limbo. Stay tuned to 3Kings Boxing for updates.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
