Miguel Berchelt vs. Oscar Valdez - February 20, 2021

[Ruthless-RKO]

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Negotiations have started for a fight between WBC super featherweight champion Miguel Berchelt and Oscar Valdez or November 7 on ESPN.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum is reportedly working on putting together the fight between his two guys, according to Lance Pugmire.

Arum has a verbal deal between ‘El Alacran’ Berchelt (37-1, 33 KOs) and Valdez (28-0, 22 KOs) KOs). The date for the fight could change, but it’s still expected to take place in November.

Oscar Valdez not being given a chance

Other fights that Arum has in the works is WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford vs. Kell Brook for November and WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder for December.

Not too many boxing fans are giving the 29-year-old former WBO featherweight champion Valdez much of a chance against Berchelt, as he’s only fought twice at 30 since moving up to the weight class in November 2019, and he hasn’t performed well.

The two-time Olympian Valdez hasn’t shined in struggling to Jayson Velez and Adam Lopez after moving up to super featherweight last year.

Valdez was a lot better fighter when he fought at 126, and he also hasn’t performed at the same level since his fight with KO artist Miguel Marriaga in 2017.

The talented Valdez’s punch resistance hasn’t been the same since that fight, but he’s been able to continue to win due to his incredible talent. Berchelt is a different type of animal and someone that Valdez won’t be able to beat unless he can stay out of the way of his power shots.

Berchelt will be hard to beat

“Bob Arum/Top Rank planning a steady stream of major fights on ESPN to help fill likely college football vacancies.

“Arum tells me he has a verbal deal in place with WBC 130-pound champ Alacran Berchelt and is “zeroing in on” Oscar Valdez for them to fight as soon as Nov. 7.

“That’s not a set date by any stretch yet. But it could happen by early November, Arum said, and he wants to follow it with Crawford (if he likely fights Brook in the U.S.) and Ramirez-Taylor in December, all on ESPN, with his only PPV being Tyson Fury – BronzeBomber 3,” said @pugboxing.

Valdez is going to have to come up with a better strategy at beating Berchelt than what we’ve seen from him in his last couple of fights. He’s getting hit too much, and he’s struggling against fighters that he should be defeated with ease.

It would be a better idea for Top Rank to give Valdez more time to get used to fighting at super featherweight before putting him in with the 28-year-old Berchelt.

The only guy that is being given any chance of beating Berchelt at 130 right now is Shakur Stevenson, but he’s at least a year away from being put in with him. Another fighter that could potentially give Berchelt issues is Gervonta’ Tank’ Davis, who will be returning to the division soon to challenge WBA Super World super featherweight champion Leo Santa Cruz on October 24.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Miguel Berchelt vs. Oscar Valdez Close To Done Deal For Nov. 7

Miguel Berchelt and Oscar Valdez have been on a collision course to fight one another ever since Valdez vacated his featherweight title last year and joined the ranks of the 130-pound division.

After two fights as a junior lightweight, Valdez (28-0, 22 KOs) is inching ever so closer to fighting one of the hardest punchers in the sport in the WBC champion Berchelt (37-1, 33 KOs).

Valdez’s manager Frank Espinoza told Boxing Scene. in an interview Thursday that a deal between both fighters is close to being finalized for a Nov. 7 date at the MGM Grand Bubble.

“Right now things are looking good. We’re in the middle of negotiations, and we should know soon,” said Espinoza. “We just have to come to an agreement with Top Rank that’s good for both sides. We’re close. We could wrap it up today, if things work out quick with the back and forth and we close the deal. … Oscar really wants to fight Berchelt, and that’s the bottom line. He feels that it’s a fight he can win.”

Both fighters are promoted by Top Rank, and the plan was for them to face off against one another all along. Before the pandemic earlier this year, Carl Moretti, Top Rank's vice president of operations, told BS.com that he was targeting for the Berchelt-Valdez fight to take place at The Forum in Los Angeles.

With fans not allowed at fights for the time being, that plan was no longer feasible, but the matchup still was, especially now that big-time, Saturday night college football is off ESPN airwaves, and the sports network looks to fill the dates with flagship programming.

The Athletic’s Lance Pugmire was first to report that a deal between both fighters was close to being finalized.

The bout will be a true test for Valdez, who has looked shaky as a 130-pounder, having even been dropped by Adam Lopez last year in his division debut. Valdez cannot afford to have an off night against Berchelt, a champion for over three years who packs power in both hands.

Both fighters have already worked off the coronavirus-caused ring rust in return bouts with KO wins.

Espinosa has been working hard from home trying to get the deal across the finish line despite the fact that he’s been sidelined with a broken ankle that’s required two surgeries in the last two weeks. The incident occurred at home while Espinosa was moving appliances around.

“I had a fight with the refrigerator, but I lost,” said Espinoza. “But I like Valdez’s chances against Berchelt a whole lot better.”

[Cent0089]

Finally. Waiting for this one

[JxhDel.]

Valdez is the perfect foil for Berchelt and has to fight his ass off to survive, in this one.

[Cent0089]

Only chance for Valdez is stoppage. No way he can win this on points

[brilo33]

Berchelt is a beast , can see him going for valdez from the opening bell, i dont think valdez is strong enough to keep berchelt of him, think he could get bullied here. though i like valdez , can see him being stopped as i think he will wanna trade , good fight if it happenes

[Ruthless-RKO]

This is where Valdez loses his first fight.

[margaret thatcher]

Berchelt is a beast, a bit underrated (i think he's a p4p type). Dude can really do everything, can box, can brawl, can fight inside or out, has serious power, can hurt you to the body or the head, has 12 round stamina, etc

[Cent0089]

Any news about this ? At least some training videos ?

[jujigatame]

Valdez has looked vulnerable for a while now and it's hard to think he's not gonna get smashed here.

I hate to be cynical but this feels like TR cashing him out.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Berchelt-Valdez Title Fight Eyed For December 12

Miguel Berchelt and Oscar Valdez remain on course for their mouthwatering showdown, although it will require having to wait a little longer than recent plans had suggested.

The pair of all-action Mexican sluggers are close to finalizing terms for a junior lightweight title fight which is now penciled in for December 12, two sources with knowledge of such talks informed BS.com on Thursday. The bout will air live on ESPN, likely to take place in Las Vegas although the venue remains among the items that remain in discussion.

Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin Iole was the first to report the latest development in the months-long discussed matchup.

Berchelt and Valdez both posted summertime knockout wins to set up their forthcoming clash, each doing so in separate ESPN-televised headliners.

Merida’s Berchelt (38-1, 34KOs) moved up for a one-off lightweight adventure, scoring a 6th round knockout of countryman Eleazar Valenzuela this past June in Mexico City. The bout was his first non-title fight since Decmeber 2015, having claimed an interim belt in 2016 before winning the real thing in an 11th round stoppage of then-unbeaten Francisco Vargas in January 2017.

Six successful defenses have followed, including a repeat knockout win over Vargas last May followed by a four-round wipeout of former secondary titlist Jason Sosa last November in Carson, California. All told, Berchelt has won 17 in a row since a fluke 1st round stoppage loss in March 2014, now presently serving as one of the longest reigning active titlists in the sport.

Valdez (28-0, 22KOs) was willing to run toward the sound of gun fire in his desire to become a two-division titlist. The unbeaten 29-year old from Nogales, Mexico—who now lives and trains in Southern California—abandoned his featherweight title reign last summer after having made five successful defenses, opting to campaign in the junior lightweight division.

Two wins have come at the weight, though by varying degrees of success. Valdez had to rise from the canvas en route to a 7th round stoppage of late replacement Adam Lopez in their shootout last November. The win came four weeks after Berchelt’s rout of Sosa, with their timelines married up in what was intended to lead to a springtime collision.

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic ruined those plans, with both accepting stay-busy fights while Top Rank sought to reschedule their fight for later in the year.

Valdez’ opportunity came in the form of a July 21 ESPN headliner, stopping former title challenger Jayson Velez in the 10th round of their non-title fight at The Bubble in Las Vegas. The win was his fourth since joining forces with head trainer Eddy Reynoso, best known for his work with boxing superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and who voted as the 2019 Trainer of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America.

Once all terms are reached, the bout serves as one of several centerpiece attractions for Top Rank’s fall lineup. Already on the books is a World lightweight championship clash between Vasiliy Lomachenko and Teofimo Lopez, set to air October 17 from The Bubble. As previously reported by BS.com, Terence Crawford and Kell Brook are nearly at the finish line for a November 14 welterweight title fight at a venue to be determined.

In a perfect world, Berchelt-Valdez will serve as a primer for the third fight between World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury—who is co-promoted by Top Rank—and former long-reigning titlist Deontay Wilder. Their clash is tentatively eyed for December 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, though with the date remaining fluid as the ongoing global health crisis continues to be monitored by all vested parties.

As it stands, Berchelt-Valdez lands on a loaded fight date. Also confirmed for December 12 is a Showtime headliner between unbeaten bantamweight titlist Nordine Oubaali and former four-division champ Nonito Donaire. A forthcoming announcement should also confirm plans for the return of unified heavyweight titlist Anthony Joshua, who is set to make the first defense of his second reign versus Top Rank-promoted mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev at The O2 in London, England.

[Cent0089]

Berchelt-Valdez Title Fight Eyed For December 12

Miguel Berchelt and Oscar Valdez remain on course for their mouthwatering showdown, although it will require having to wait a little longer than recent plans had suggested.

The pair of all-action Mexican sluggers are close to finalizing terms for a junior lightweight title fight which is now penciled in for December 12, two sources with knowledge of such talks informed BS.com on Thursday. The bout will air live on ESPN, likely to take place in Las Vegas although the venue remains among the items that remain in discussion.

Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin Iole was the first to report the latest development in the months-long discussed matchup.

Berchelt and Valdez both posted summertime knockout wins to set up their forthcoming clash, each doing so in separate ESPN-televised headliners.

Merida’s Berchelt (38-1, 34KOs) moved up for a one-off lightweight adventure, scoring a 6th round knockout of countryman Eleazar Valenzuela this past June in Mexico City. The bout was his first non-title fight since Decmeber 2015, having claimed an interim belt in 2016 before winning the real thing in an 11th round stoppage of then-unbeaten Francisco Vargas in January 2017.

Six successful defenses have followed, including a repeat knockout win over Vargas last May followed by a four-round wipeout of former secondary titlist Jason Sosa last November in Carson, California. All told, Berchelt has won 17 in a row since a fluke 1st round stoppage loss in March 2014, now presently serving as one of the longest reigning active titlists in the sport.

Valdez (28-0, 22KOs) was willing to run toward the sound of gun fire in his desire to become a two-division titlist. The unbeaten 29-year old from Nogales, Mexico—who now lives and trains in Southern California—abandoned his featherweight title reign last summer after having made five successful defenses, opting to campaign in the junior lightweight division.

Two wins have come at the weight, though by varying degrees of success. Valdez had to rise from the canvas en route to a 7th round stoppage of late replacement Adam Lopez in their shootout last November. The win came four weeks after Berchelt’s rout of Sosa, with their timelines married up in what was intended to lead to a springtime collision.

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic ruined those plans, with both accepting stay-busy fights while Top Rank sought to reschedule their fight for later in the year.

Valdez’ opportunity came in the form of a July 21 ESPN headliner, stopping former title challenger Jayson Velez in the 10th round of their non-title fight at The Bubble in Las Vegas. The win was his fourth since joining forces with head trainer Eddy Reynoso, best known for his work with boxing superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and who voted as the 2019 Trainer of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America.

Once all terms are reached, the bout serves as one of several centerpiece attractions for Top Rank’s fall lineup. Already on the books is a World lightweight championship clash between Vasiliy Lomachenko and Teofimo Lopez, set to air October 17 from The Bubble. As previously reported by BS.com, Terence Crawford and Kell Brook are nearly at the finish line for a November 14 welterweight title fight at a venue to be determined.

In a perfect world, Berchelt-Valdez will serve as a primer for the third fight between World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury—who is co-promoted by Top Rank—and former long-reigning titlist Deontay Wilder. Their clash is tentatively eyed for December 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, though with the date remaining fluid as the ongoing global health crisis continues to be monitored by all vested parties.

As it stands, Berchelt-Valdez lands on a loaded fight date. Also confirmed for December 12 is a Showtime headliner between unbeaten bantamweight titlist Nordine Oubaali and former four-division champ Nonito Donaire. A forthcoming announcement should also confirm plans for the return of unified heavyweight titlist Anthony Joshua, who is set to make the first defense of his second reign versus Top Rank-promoted mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev at The O2 in London, England.

YES !! finally. Looking forward to this one. Interesting nobody on the forum giving chance to Valdez, but i understand that. Only chance for Valdez is stoppage in first half of fight or some lucky punch. He cannot handle Berchelt slaughterhouse for 12 rounds.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Eddy Reynoso talks Valdez-Berchelt, Frank Espinoza and Andy Ruiz

Trainer of the Year Eddy Reynoso spoke to Fightnews.com® exclusively regarding the upcoming fight between Oscar Valdez and Miguel Berchelt, his relationship with manager Frank Espinoza and his new pupil Andy Ruiz.

“Oscar Valdez vs Alacrán Berchelt will be a war,” said Reynoso. “Both are great warriors but I feel that I have a complete fighter in Oscar. He has more tools, he can box, he can counterpunch and he can go forward. Berchelt is a great champion but has only one style and that is to come forward. Oscar can do that too. He can bang and has power in both hands. We have a great game plan.

“Oscar has fought with his jaw broken, he has been knocked down and has come back to win. Berchelt didn’t look good in his last fight. I’m aware that it wasn’t his weight class but he has been knocked down and hasn’t gotten up to win. I think that’s a big difference. But anyway, we have the tools to win.”

Reynoso is a well know disciplinarian who is known to get along great with his fighters and managers. Frank Espinoza who manages Oscar Valdez among other fighters is the one who gives Eddy the advice he needs to become a great manager as well as a trainer.

“Frank Espinoza is a great manager. He adapts well to any fighter, and he is a gentleman. He has treated me very well. There should be mutual respect in this business and that’s exactly what Frank brings to the table. He gives me advice on how to be a manager and how to handle certain things in boxing. I’m really grateful to Frank”.

Finally, Reynoso spoke about his new pupil Andy Ruiz, the former world heavyweight champion who has teamed up with Eddy as they seek to regain the championship.

“Andy Ruiz has a goal to become world champion again and he has shown me that he is serious about this comeback. If he has the discipline and commitment that I require in my fighters, I have no doubt that we will conquer the big crown again.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Apparently Valdez is looking a beast! Bulking up!

Eating that Carne de Jalisco, what Canelo is eating.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Is Verdejo vs. Commey still serving as a co-feature for this bout?

[Ruthless-RKO]

Like many other boxers scheduled to fight, Berchelt has tested positive. This fight will NOT take place next month.

[margaret thatcher]

dang some good fights f@cked by covid in the last few days

[Ruthless-RKO]

WBC junior lightweight titleholder Miguel Berchelt tests positive for COVID-19, sources say

The long-awaited battle between WBC junior lightweight titleholder Miguel Berchelt and Oscar Valdez, scheduled for Dec. 12 in Las Vegas, could be in jeopardy after Berchelt tested positive for COVID-19, sources close to Berchelt's camp told ESPN on Tuesday.

Berchelt (37-1, 33 KOs) was tested as part of the weekly monitoring for the fight, and according to the source, he's already under quarantine.

The fight against Valdez (28-0, 22 KOs) was a mandatory defense ordered by the WBC.

Berchelt won the belt with an 11th-round KO victory over Francisco Vargas in 2017 and he has defended the title six times. Valdez, a former featherweight titlist, moved up to junior lightweight in July to pursue a title in a second division, and defeated Jayson Velez by 10th-round TKO to set up the title fight against Berchelt.

The 28-year-old Berchelt has been training in Hermosillo, Mexico, under the supervision of trainer Alfredo Caballero.

Valdez, 29, is training in San Diego, California, with Eddy Reynoso, who also works with middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, lightweight contender Ryan Garcia and former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

Miguel Berchelt-Oscar Valdez Title Fight Rescheduled For February 20

Miguel Berchelt and Oscar Valdez are ready to enter the 2021 Fight of the Year race.

A long-planned showdown between the pair of Mexican junior lightweights now has a date, with their 130-pound title fight being eyed for February 20 on an ESPN platform. Representatives from both camps as well as Top Rank officials confirmed the news to BS.com on Monday afternoon.

Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin Iole was the first to report the rescheduled date.

Berchelt and Valdez were originally due to meet on December 12 at The Bubble at MGM Grand in what would have served as the final title fight to have aired on ESPN in 2020. Those plans were compromised once Berchelt (38-1, 34KOs) tested positive for COVID-19 and was forced to withdraw.

Both fighters are coming off of non-title wins this past summer to set up their head-on collision, which many anticipate as a can’t-miss action fight.

Berchelt will attempt the seventh defense of the junior lightweight title he violently snatched in an 11th round stoppage of then-unbeaten countryman Francisco Vargas in January 2017. The 29-year old from Merida, Mexico last put his title on the line in a one-sided 4th round drubbing of former secondary titlist Jason Sosa last November in Carson, California. At the time, plans called for Berchelt to next face Valdez, who survived a scare four weeks later in his 130-pound debut, overcoming an early knockdown to stop Adam Lopez inside of seven rounds last November in Las Vegas.

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic ruined plans for a springtime title fight, instead settling for separate showcase bouts behind closed doors. Berchelt took a non-title fight at lightweight, stopping countryman Eleazar Valenzuela in the 6th round of their June 27 ESPN headliner in Mexico City.

Valdez (28-0, 22KOs) followed suit, stopping Puerto Rico’s Jayson Velez in their 10th round of their July 21 ESPN main event from The Bubble at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The win was his second at 130 pounds following a three-year featherweight title reign before vacating his crown last summer.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight Confirmed

“Miguel Berchelt and Oscar Valdez are two proud Mexican warriors who will give boxing fans a memorable fight,” Top Rank chairman and Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum said of the pairing. “Top Rank promoted all three bouts between Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales, and I view Berchelt-Valdez as this generation’s Barrera-Morales.”

“This fight is the one that I dreamed of since we were both amateur fighters,” said Berchelt, who has held a 130-pound title since an 11th round knockout win over Francisco Vargas in Jan. 2017. “Valdez is a great fighter, and it will be a great fight.

“I am preparing with everything to win by knockout and leave no doubt that I am the best super featherweight in the world.”

“Whenever there are two Mexicans in the ring, it is a guaranteed war, and it will be an honor for me to bring a great war to my fans,” insists Vargas (28-0, 22KOs), who moved up to 130 in late November following a lengthy featherweight title reign.

“My main goal is to win a world title,” said Flores, who is coming off of a 10-round decision win over Ryan Kielcweski last October. “Dominating a former world champion will put me in a great position to challenge for a title soon.”

“I’m very excited to return to battle on February 20 against Gabriel Flores Jr.,” insists Cancio. “I’m working hard in the gym, and I know that this fight is the first on my path to becoming a two-time world champion. I would like to thank my fans, who have been so incredibly supportive. I’ve heard you loud and clear and can’t wait to put on another great show for you.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

Miguel Berchelt (pictured) and Oscar Valdez will face off in one of the most anticipated all-Mexican fistic showdowns in years. Cancun’s Berchelt will defend his WBC super featherweight world title against Nogales' Valdez in a special Top Rank on ESPN telecast Saturday, Feb. 20th. The ten-round super featherweight co-feature will see 20 year-old Gabriel Flores Jr. against Andrew “El Chango” Cancio, a prior WBA regular title holder. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Berchelt-Valdez and Flores-Cancio will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

“Miguel Berchelt and Oscar Valdez are two proud Mexican warriors who will give boxing fans a memorable fight,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Top Rank promoted all three bouts between Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales, and I view Berchelt-Valdez as this generation’s Barrera-Morales."

Berchelt (38-1, 34 KOs) has held the WBC super featherweight title since January 2017, when he knocked out Francisco Vargas in the 11th round. His last five title defenses have ended via the quick route, including a ninth-round TKO over Miguel Roman, a sixth-round TKO over Vargas in their May 2019 rematch, and a fourth-round knockout over former world champion Jason Sosa. He fought last June in a non-title bout and knocked out Eleazar Valenzuela in six one-sided rounds.

“This fight is the one that I dreamed of since we were both amateur fighters,” Berchelt said. “Valdez is a great fighter, and it will be a great fight. I am preparing with everything to win by knockout and leave no doubt that I am the best super featherweight in the world."

Valdez (28-0, 22 KOs) is a two-time Mexican Olympian who vacated the WBO featherweight world title last year after six title defenses, which included barnburners against the likes of Scott Quigg, Genesis Servania and Miguel Marriaga. He suffered a severely broken jaw against Quigg in March 2018, returned 11 months later, and has since won four consecutive bouts. Since moving up to 130 pounds, Valdez has scored stoppage wins over Adam Lopez and Jayson Velez.

Valdez said, "Whenever there are two Mexicans in the ring, it is a guaranteed war, and it will be an honor for me to bring a great war to my fans."

Flores (19-0, 6 KOs), from Stockton, Calif., signed a professional contract with Top Rank at 16 years old and went 3-0 in 2020. He started the year Feb. 22nd on the Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury II undercard, dominating Matt Conway over eight rounds. Flores shined on a pair of occasions inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble, winning decisions over Josec Ruiz and Ryan Kielczweski. Flores now steps up against Cancio (21-5-2, 16 KOs), a fellow Californian who formerly held the WBA's secondary super featherweight world title. Cancio knocked out Alberto Machado in February 2019 to win the title and repeated the deed with another knockout over Machado that June. Rene Alvarado ended Cancio’s ascension with a seventh-round knockout in November 2019, and early last year, Cancio inked a promotional contract with Top Rank.

"My main goal is to win a world title,” Flores said. “Dominating a former world champion will put me in a great position to challenge for a title soon.”

Cancio said, “I’m very excited to return to battle on February 20 against Gabriel Flores Jr. I’m working hard in the gym, and I know that this fight is the first on my path to becoming a two-time world champion. I would like to thank my fans, who have been so incredibly supportive. I’ve heard you loud and clear and can’t wait to put on another great show for you.”

[Las Vegas boxing guy]

Berchelt is no doubt a BEAST ... and he can also box. With that said .. Oscar Valdez is not getting knocked out fellas. He'll be there for the final bell and will certainly take some rounds. Prediction : Berch via UD ... 115-113 ... TBH, I wouldn't even be overly stunned if Oscar wins this match up.

[Cent0089]

Only chance for Valdez is going for stoppage

[Lackeos]

The best fights on the schedule right now are Berchelt - Valdez and, in the same weight division, Diaz - Rakhimov. Let's go!