Oscar Valdez's Manager To Meet With Top Rank, Discuss Big 2018

[Ruthless-RKO]

The featherweight champion of the World Boxing Organization, Oscar Valdez, is waiting for news to find out where, when, how he will start his boxing activities in 2018.

In the coming days, shortly before the showdown between Vasyl Lomachenko and Guillermo Rigondeaux on December 9 in New York, Valdez's manager Frank Espinoza will meet executives Bob Arum and Todd DuBoef, of Top Rank, to define the plan of action for the Mexican world champion, who had in 2017 had two successful defenses of the 126-pound belt.

"We hope to have news soon. It was a pretty good year for [Valdez] with two defenses, two hard fights and we are sure that in 2018 things will be better," Espinoza said to ESPN Deportes. "We will be meeting with the people of Top Rank and with Oscar to choose the best direction for his career."

Valdez wants to boost his career in a way to be remembered and admired like other fighters, but the opportunities to achieve that have not come easily.
"Obviously, (Oscar) is in period of optional fights, but we are sure that he has grown a lot and that in 2018 we will see the best of him facing challenges, as always at the first level and why not think of unification fights for the next year," added the manager.

Valdez will be active in the first four months of the year and it is expected that once again it will be in the south of the United States, where he has been accommodated. Although for now it is not in the immediate plan to fight in Mexico, it is expected that in the discussions with Top Rank that possibility can be defined.

In 2017, Valdez had two tough fights, first with the Colombian Miguel Marriaga and then with the Filipino Genesis Servania, in which he was tested hard by both candidates, but sucked it up to win hard-fought decisions.

Valdez has a record of 23 wins, with 19 of them by knockout.

[Crease]

If Valdez is going to have the flexibility to choose his next defenses, I wonder where he will rate Frampton?

[Ruthless-RKO]

If Valdez is going to have the flexibility to choose his next defenses, I wonder where he will rate Frampton?

He may fight in Mexico next. I highly doubt he picks Frampton.

1 > DIAZ 25-0-0
2 > MAGSAYO 17-0-0
3 > LUKAS 20-0-0
4 > TEPORA 21-0-0
5 > MALYNOVSKYI 21-0-0
6 > DIAZ 21-0-0
7 > FRAMPTON 24-1-0
8 > WARRINGTON 26-0-0
9 > JACKSON 15-0-0
10 > QUIGG 34-1-2
11 > PAGARA 28-1-0
12 > WILLIAMS 13-0-0
13 > CEYLAN 18-1-2
14 > VERAZA 19-8-2
15 > WALSH 22-2-1

[Luckybattles]

That's good. He is an exciting fighter and a throwback to when boxers were afraid to let their hands go a little bit. Reminds me of the early days of morales, barrera, pacman, junior jones, etc. I'm not sure if he is at that level but he brings that kind of excitement to the game.

[klitoris]

The Valdez-Diaz fight is what gets both guys over that hump, depending on the winner. If valdez wins, you could rate him as the top 3 featherweight. And at that point the Santa Cruz fight makes a lot money imo. And the winner of that moving up to fight Loma (if he wins against Rigo) is an even bigger fight. Considering that Arum works with Haymon now, all of this is a good possibility.

[WelshDevil]

Fantastic figter to watch. Only 26, so plenty of time in the sport ahead. His last two fights will have given him invaluable experience. The rankings look good though I expect him to have an easier defence first.
Scott Quigg seems to be targeting Mares or Valdez. Be a good fight for Valdez and the fans.

[Mexi-Box]

Valdez/Diaz is a no-brainer. Real tough pick, both hella athletic. Straight 50-50. I'd rate the winner behind LSC. GRJ has done nothing to hold on to a 1 or 2 spot. Escandon just doesn't cut it.