Former WBA world bantamweight champion, Scott Quigg is believed to be very close to closing a deal which will see him challenge the undefeated 23-0 WBO world featherweight champion, Oscar Valdez.
That fight is believed to be headed towards a March 10th date. The fight is also believed to being targeted to take place at the StubHub Center in California.
"A MASSIVE FIGHT!" @ScottQuigg says WBO title fight against @oscarvaldez56 is ‘99 per cent' agreed and hopes to make his name in America.
Exclusive interview: https://t.co/TkRaVvgcYXpic.twitter.com/3skO0fBUqz
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) January 4, 2018
Last week the promoters of both fighters in the form of Top Rank’s Bob Arum and Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn echoed those sentiments and seemed to indicate a deal was in the offing.
Quigg recently shared that the deal is “99%” done. Furthermore, Quigg shared that his prior sparring sessions with Valdez will place him in good stead ahead of their showdown.
"I'm a probably a slight underdog, but if I can put the work in, I'm very confident I can do the job"
Bury boxer @scottquigg talks to Mike Sweeney on @bbcradiomanc about taking on Oscar Valdez.
🎧 Listen: https://t.co/bfGsn7v5HOpic.twitter.com/ARBXjp2FM7
— BBC Sport Manchester (@BBCRMsport) January 8, 2018
Quigg believes he has pinpointed the weaknesses in the Mexican’s arsenal and is very confident with his coach Freddie Roach that he can formulate a gameplan which will carry him to victory.
Valdez goes into the fight as the heavy favourite given he is the younger fighter, perceived to be closer to his prime and physical peak at 27 but Quigg is not at all worried by those opinions.
“He’s not put a foot wrong. 23 fights, 23 wins and 18 knockouts. He’s done everything right,” Quigg said to BBC Radio Manchester.
“The Americans are building him as the next big star so I’m probably a slight underdog, that’s what people will be thinking.”
“I don’t see myself as an underdog.”
“All I know is that I’ve got to put the work in and I’m very confident I can do the job.”
Quigg also stated that he doesn’t see himself fighting past the stage of his mid-30’s.
Earlier this month in Monte-Carlo, @scottquigg wiped out Oleg Yefimovych to close on another World Title shot 👌 pic.twitter.com/N50rox0kqy
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) November 24, 2017
“As a smaller fighter, if you look after yourself you can prolong your career but I’d say 33 or 34, max,” Quigg said.
“When I’m not as good as I was because of reactions slowing down, I will not carry on because I’ve dedicated too much and it’s too hard of a sport to mess about,” Quigg concluded.
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