Oscar Valdez returned to winning ways, and became the interim WBO super featherweight champion, after stopping Liam Wilson in the seventh round of their meeting at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona on Friday.
Valdez (31-2, 24 KOs) came into this one on the back of two defeats in his last three outings, having lost a wide decision to Shakur Stevenson in 2022, and another clear points loss to Emanuel Navarrete last August in a bid for the WBO super featherweight crown. Wilson (13-3, 7 KOs) had pushed Navarrete all the way last February, knocking the Mexican down before being stopped in nine, but had won two on the spin going into his clash.
Wilson began well, keeping Valdez at bay with punches and movement from range, while the Mexican was winging in big shots early doors that connected, with Wilson’s nose showing damage as early as round two.
The Australian found himself getting involved though, and neglecting the gameplan, and the pair went to war in the third, with Valdez now finding himself on top in the main.
The 33-year-old chose to go on the counter-attack in the fifth, going through a range of power punches, and then unloaded a series of punches in the sixth with Wilson now looking outgunned.
The ending came a round later, when Valdez landed a left hook, and the 28-year-old seemed to wobble.
That was all the encouragement the Mexican needed, as Valdez unleashed several unanswered shots, and the referee then intervened.
With current WBO super featherweight champion, Navarrete moving up to lightweight to challenge Denys Berinchyk on May 18, Valdez could be elevated to full champion.
“I want to be that example,” he told ESPN post-fight.
“In boxing you might lose, inside and outside the ring.
“In life you can’t always win, but it’s an obligation to stand back up and continue to your path and your dream.”
Estrada becomes undisputed champion
On the undercard, Seniesa Estrada became the undisputed world minimumweight champion, as she added the IBF and WBO crowns to her WBC and WBA belts with a clear points win against Yokesta Valle (30-3, 9 KOs).
Estrada (26-0, 9 KOs) triumphed by three scores of 97-93.
Muratalla closes in on world title
Raymond Muratalla remained unbeaten and closed in on a maiden world title shot, claiming a points win over ten rounds at lightweight against Xolisani Ndongeni (31-5, 18 KOs).
Muratalla (20-0, 16 KOs), who is the #2 ranked contender with the WBC behind champion, Shakur Stevenson, ran out the victor by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93.
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— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) March 30, 2024
Remaining Undercard
Lindolfo Delgado (20-0, 15 KOs) also stayed unblemished, with the Mexican stopping Carlos Sanchez (25-3, 19 KOs) in the seventh of their ten rounder at super lightweight.
In eight rounders, Richard Torrez Jr (9-0, 9 KOs) added another early win to his ledger, stopping Donald Haynesworth (18-9-1, 16 KOs) in the opening round of their heavyweight contest.
Lightweight prospect, Alan Garcia (12-0, 10 KOs) also won early, halting Gonzalo Fuenzalida (12-4, 3 KOs) in the second round.
BULLDOZE’D.@RichardTorrez21 | Live on @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/e2JsPw5721
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) March 30, 2024
In six round action, Ricardo Ruvalcaba (12-0-1, 10 KOs) stopped Avner Hernandez Molina (4-4) in round five at super lightweight, while Emiliano Vargas (9-0, 7 KOs) won every round at lightweight against Nelson Hampton (10-9, 6 KOs).
Sergio Leon Rodriguez (11-0-1, 8 KOs) took a decision win at middleweight against Sanny Duversonne (12-7-2, 9 KOs).
The sole four rounder was at super lightweight, where Art Barrera Jr (4-0, 4 KOs) knocked out Keven Soto (5-2, 3 KOs) in the second round.
