One of the year’s most anticipated boxing unification battles takes place Saturday. The fight features two undefeated champions, both in the prime of their careers and eager to become the top dog of their division.
The bitter rivalry between champions Oscar Valdez and Shakur Stevenson will come to a head in a 12-round super featherweight championship main event at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The main event is scheduled to start at 2:25 p.m.; it will air on ESPN+ and on Top Rank’s YouTube channel.
The Nogales, Sonora-born and Tucson-bred Valdez (30-0, 23 KOs) said the fight is a wish that has become reality. He said he’s ready to to prove he is the best fighter in the 130-pound division.
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Valdez won the WBC super featherweight strap after knocking out Miguel Berchelt in spectacular fashion at the start of 2021, which was awarded KO of the Year by Sports Illustrated. The fighter went on to successfully defend the title against Robson Conceicao in Tucson last September.
“Ever since I was a little kid, I would be dreaming of these kinds of opportunities, to be fighting for the unified world championship,” Valdez said. “I’m just very excited right now to be in this mega-fight and I can’t wait. I’m anxious to step into the ring.”
The 31-year-old WBC champ is being trained by legendary boxing coach Eddy Reynoso and regularly works out alongside Reynoso’s protege, middleweight unified champion Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez. While Valdez said he appreciates having the opportunity to train with a Alvarez, winning is far from a sure thing. Saturday’s fight will ultimately come down to “who has the bigger heart inside the ring.”
Oscar Valdez has been training with boxing star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez leading up to Saturday’s fight.
In the months leading up to this unification bout, New Jersey WBO champ Stevenson (17-0, 9 KOs) claimed on social media Valdez has been avoiding him ever since they were in the featherweight division a few years ago. During that time, both fighters also held titles but a unification fight never materialized.
Top Rank boss Bob Arum originally planned for Valdez …….