Oscar Valdez has some work to do.
The previous two-division titleholder was on high of the world after he put Miguel Berchelt down thrice and finally stopped him within the tenth spherical to win the WBC 130-pound championship in February 2021.
It has been largely downhill after that for the 33-year-old Mexican.
He examined optimistic for a banned weight-loss medicine earlier than his subsequent battle seven months later, towards Robson Conceicao, but he was allowed to battle . He received a unanimous determination to retain his belt however his repute was scarred.
Then issues obtained worse. He was embarrassed by the gifted Shakur Stevenson in his subsequent bout, dropping a one-sided determination that appeared to disclose his limitations.
He rebounded to outpoint Adam Lopez 11 months later solely to lose one other clear determination, this time towards WBO beltholder and countryman Emanuel Navarrete, who outworked him in an entertaining battle final August.
Instantly a rising star was simply one other fighter.
Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs) will restart the rebuilding course of on Friday evening, when he’s scheduled to face Liam Wilson of Australia at Desert Diamond Enviornment in Glendale, Arizona (ESPN+).
The battle will probably be for the WBO “interim” belt, which Boxing Junkie doesn’t acknowledge as a reliable title. Navarrete stays the WBO champ.
“I’m going to be prepared,” Valdez mentioned on Wednesday. “I used to be getting ready myself for a world championship battle. Then we obtained the information that it’s now for an interim title.
“So I’m greater than excited and ready, and we’re going to point out that.”
Wilson (13-2, 7 KOs) is a safer opponent than both Stevenson or Navarrete, in all probability on the extent of Lopez.
Nevertheless, the 28-year-old resident of Queensland is harmful. He proved that by decking Navarrete and hurting him earlier than being stopped himself in 9 rounds in a wild battle for the vacant WBO title in February of final yr.
Wilson outpointed two second-tier opponents in Australia after his setback.
“I do know Liam Wilson,” Valdez mentioned. “He’s a tricky fighter. I used to be there when he fought Emanuel Navarrete, and he despatched him to the canvas. So that you higher imagine that I’m coming with all the things as a result of I’m anticipating that very same Liam Wilson. …
“Liam Wilson is a harmful fighter. However that makes it extra thrilling. And the interim title provides gasoline to the fireplace. I’m very motivated.”
Valdez instructed BoxingScene.com that he can be thinking about going through Vasiliy Lomachenko, assuming he wins on Friday and the Ukrainian pound-for-pounder beats underdog George Kambosos Jr. for the vacant IBF 135-pound title on Might 12.
Nevertheless, Valdez’s first precedence is to develop into a champion once more at 130. Defeating Wilson is step one in that course of.
“This battle [against Wilson] means all the things to me as a result of whoever wins is a step nearer to a world title battle at 130 kilos,” he instructed the outlet. “That is my division. …
“My plan this yr is to develop into a world champion once more. However I’ve to win this battle first. I’m mentally getting ready prefer it’s a world title battle.”
