Former WBO featherweight champion Oscar Valdez will meet seasoned Puerto Rican Jayson Velez in a 130lbs 10-rounder at ‘The Bubble’ in the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, on July 21, promoter Top Rank has confirmed.
Valdez, the WBC and WBO No.1 contender at 130lbs, is closing in on a WBC title fight with fellow Mexican Miguel Berchelt later this year. Velez, a former IBF title challenger at featherweight, has never been stopped and should provide some much-needed rounds after the hiatus caused by Covid-19.
“I’m ready for the best of the division. I want to be a two-division world champion, and the only way to do that is to beat tough fighters like Jayson Velez, who has challenged for a world title and possesses a lot of experience,” said Valdez (27-0, 21 KOs). “Also, I’m very thankful to be fighting during this critical time where the sport of boxing is getting attention again.”
“We know there have been discussions about me challenging Miguel Berchelt for his WBC super-featherweight world title, but Velez is first. I need to beat Velez first if I want to fight Berchelt, and I’m expecting a very tough fight. I want to dedicate this fight to all of the nurses and doctors who are working hard on this pandemic and to my father, Top Rank, and my manager, Frank Espinoza. I can’t wait to return to the ring.”
Velez (29-6-1, 21 KOs) added: “Oscar Valdez is the greatest name I have ever had the opportunity to face. He is a young, undefeated fighter who was already a world champion and is hungry for another world title. At this stage of my career, I see each fight as if it were the last chance to achieve my dream. It’s now or never. We are going to make that dream come true.”
Valdez-Velez will be televised live in the US on ESPN & ESPN Deportes beginning at 8pm ET/5pm PT on July 21.