Oscar Valdez Gets Another Shot at World Title Against Liam Wilson
Oscar Valdez has had a rough couple of years, suffering two disappointing defeats. But at 33 years old, the former two-division champion has a chance to reclaim a world title and make his way back to the top of the sport.
Kosport Magazine is excited to announce that Valdez’s upcoming junior-lightweight bout against Australia’s Liam Wilson is for the interim 130lbs title, as declared by the World Boxing Organization on Tuesday. This is a huge opportunity for Valdez to prove himself and potentially become the full champion at 130lbs.
However, this opportunity may be short-lived as current champion Emanuel Navarrete is expected to claim the WBO lightweight belt in May. If he chooses to retain the title, the winner of Valdez-Wilson will be declared the “full champion” at 130lbs.
Valdez previously held this title but lost it to Shakur Stevenson in a unanimous decision. He then had another shot at the belt in August but was defeated by Navarrete. Now, Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs) has another chance to regain the title in an ESPN-televised main event on Friday from Glendale, Arizona.
If Navarrete does retain the lightweight title, the winner of Valdez-Wilson will have 180 days to face the mandatory opponent assigned by the WBO. As of now, the top-ranked contender is Albert Bell, who recently scored a first-round knockout win.
For Valdez, this fight is a homecoming of sorts as he was raised along the US-Mexico border south of Tucson, Arizona. But the real question is whether he has been affected by the tough rounds he’s endured in his recent fights.
Before the WBO’s announcement, Valdez expressed his desire to defeat Wilson and then face Vasyl Lomachenko, a former three-division champion. Lomachenko will be fighting for the IBF lightweight championship in May, and many believe that 130lbs is his best fighting weight.
Valdez’s promoter Bob Arum has high hopes for him, stating, “As long as [Valdez] gives me a victory, he’s in there with any of the top names. He’s a good fighter, exciting, has a solid fan base…we’re hoping he comes through.”
Don’t miss this exciting fight on Friday, as Valdez looks to prove himself and potentially set up a future showdown with Lomachenko. Stay tuned to Kosport Magazine for all the latest updates and analysis on this highly anticipated bout.
