Oscar Valdez successfully defends the WBO title for a fifth time
The return of WBO featherweight champion Oscar Valdez (24-0, 19KO) would make his fifth title defense against Carmine Tommasone (19-0, 5KO) in easy fashion.
In the early rounds, both men tried to establish the game plan. It became clear the timing of the champion was off due to recovering from jaw surgery that produced a near year layoff.
Valdez was throwing wild left hooks but as the fight went on, finally found his rhythm landing left hooks followed by a right hand counter that dropped the challenger. He would then follow it up with a vicious body shot that caused the undefeated challenger to hit the canvas again.
In the middle rounds, the challenger tried to turn the tide by electing to move more. However, the champion realized the body punches were demoralizing and continued to attack his opponent there.
This would prove to be pivotal as the champion landed a brutal right uppercut that sent the challenger crashing to the canvas.
The referee wasted no time and immediately stopped the fight. This was a clear message to the rest of the division.
Furthermore, it’s a known fact that he wants to unify titles by the end of 2019. Hopefully he will get that opportunity next!
Garrisson Bland
