The undefeated WBO world featherweight champion, Oscar Valdez recorded the 24 victory of his professional career last night at The StubHub Center in California.
He recorded that victory up against arguably the sternest test he had faced so far in the form of Bury local, Scott Quigg.
The judges verdict came in unanimous famous with Valdez getting the nod on all three cards by scores of 117-111, 117-111 and 118-110.
There was much controversy coming into the fight with Quigg coming in over the 126 lbs featherweight limit by an additional 2.8 lbs. Since the fight, Quigg has highlighted that a foot injury did not allow him to shed the last few pounds and come into the fight as he would have liked.
The action of the fight’s opening stanza saw it made readily apparent that Valdez was the superior fighter technically as he was able to look fluid and natural and he managed to land a few thudding power punches as the action heated up.
HIGHLIGHTS: Here is a quick recap of the epic battle between @scottquigg and @oscarvaldez56 . The full fight is available on demand. https://t.co/csrlpi80Qx
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) March 11, 2018
Valdez began to vary his attack in the second round, mixing up his attack by putting combinations together which allowed him to score both to the head and body of the Englishman.
The third saw the Mexican technician score repeatedly with a ramrod jab and looking very sharp in the reflexes department evident by his ability to neutralise much of Quigg’s attack and expose the mistakes he would make with sharp counters.
Quigg was in desperate need to steady the course after an abysmal first three rounds. He found what he needed as round four began as he landed his first big shot of the night in the form of his right hand.
Con la mandíbula quebrada y la mano lastimada desde los primeros rounds,aún así ganamos la pelea. Gracias a Dios salimos con la victoria, satisfechos de conseguir el objetivo #AndStill#PuroNogales@gatorademex@ringtelmex@superdelnorte#Chiltepinos#Sonora@EspinozaBoxingpic.twitter.com/1tdXJy6Xua
— Oscar Valdez Fierro (@oscarvaldez56) March 11, 2018
Valdez took it well and didn’t seem to be hurt much however. He worked his way back into contention for the round by continuing to score points by peppering Quigg with the jab.
The fifth saw Valdez open a cut near the left eye of Quigg. But Quigg was unperturbed and continued to press the Mexican and finished the round showing more signs of promise after connecting with a thudding hook.
Quigg continued to find success being aggressive through the middle rounds. In the seventh round, Quigg made a breakthrough as he sent Valdez back to the corner with his mouth badly bloodied.
It was later revealed that injury was actually a fractured jaw.
Quigg continued to press forwards and utilise his superior physicality in the eighth. Quigg continued to find his target with the right hand.
Unbelievable fight between @scottquigg and @oscarvaldez56 – broken nose, broken jaw – both went above and beyond the call of duty, much respect 👏🏼
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) March 11, 2018
Valdez began to hold off the Englishman’s fightback efforts in the ninth round. He was keeping his hands very busy and he landed some telling hooks to the midsection of Quigg that seemed to take some energy out of his legs.
The eleventh was perhaps the most gruelling of the night. Both were shaken by hard shots and the pace of the action began to take its toll on both men. Valdez ended the round well however, following up with a fusillade of blows after buzzing Quigg with a sharp left hand.
Both men continued to go at it in an enthralling fashion until the final bell in the twelfth but once again Valdez edged the round simply with his work-rate and volume of punches.
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