Oscar Valdez Moves Up
Well it seems that WBO featherweight champion Oscar Valdez (26-0, 20 KO’s) is moving on to greener pastures. After defending his title six times, he has decided now is the time to move up to the junior lightweight division. When he does so, he will also formally relinquish the title he currently holds.
The gritty Mexican first won the vacant title over Matias Carlos Adrian Rueda three years ago on July 23, 2016. Out of his six title defenses, three of whom were undefeate! Scott Quigg provided the stiffest test of them all.
Valdez was forced to brave a bloody seesaw battle in which the Lancashire bad man broke his jaw in order to win a hard-earned unanimous decision victory. Now, two fights and a year and a half later, Valdez is looking for a change.
Team Valdez Speaks
One of his chief rationales for moving up is to become a multi-divisional champion.
“It’s time! I’ve always wanted to become a multi-division champion. I think I would feel more comfortable at that weight too. One hundred twenty-six pounds is getting harder to make after seven years as a featherweight, so I think moving to 130 pounds would make more sense.”
Having tasted the life of a champion, Valdez is not quick to surrender the exhilarating feeling or the prestige. Although he is jumping up in weight, he is aiming to dive in the deep end immediately. Already, he has put the champs at junior lightweight on notice that he is gunning for all the belt holders without discrimination.
“We’re definitely interested in jumping in against the biggest names available in that weight class. We’re ready to go up against champions Miguel Berchelt, Jamel Herring and Tevin Farmer.”
Oscar Valdez – WBO Featherweight Champion
“Oscar has accomplished quite a bit as a featherweight, but he’s someone that always wants to take things to the next level. He’s a true champion and always looking to put himself in a situation where he can pursue greatness. This is what this move is all about. It’s about Oscar’s desire to create history within the sport.”
Frank Espinoza – Valdez’s Manager
It’ll definitely be interesting to see what the next big announcement will be for the formidable champion. With his sudden evacuation from the division, there will be a void, as now his WBO title is vacant.
The most logical next move would be for the WBO’s #1 ranked featherweight, Shakur Stevenson, to face their #2 ranked challenger, Joet Gonzalez to assume control of the strap!
3kingsboxing will continue to monitor this late-breaking turn of events.
By: Bakari Simpson
Be the first to comment