Oscar Valdez vs. Liam Wilson struggle preview, predictions, undercard, begin time, odds, stay stream

On Friday, Liam Wilson and Oscar Valdez will meet in a bout that would function one thing of a backdoor world championship conflict. When Wilson and Valdez share the ring in Glendale, Arizona, the WBO interim junior light-weight championship shall be up for grabs.

The interim title was added simply days out from the bout. That is as a result of WBO world champion Emanuel Navarrete is ready to maneuver as much as light-weight to struggle Denys Berinchyk for the vacant title at 135 kilos in Might. Ought to Navarrete defeat Berinchyk and resolve to stay at light-weight, the winner of Valdez vs. Wilson could be elevated to world champion at junior light-weight.

Each Valdez (31-2, 23 KO) and Wilson (13-2, 7 KO) misplaced title bids in opposition to Navarrete in 2023. Wilson dropped Navarrete within the fourth spherical however could not maintain off the champion from there, finally struggling a ninth-round TKO loss. Valdez and Navarrete went to warfare of their conflict, producing some of the thrilling fights of the yr earlier than Navarrete walked away with a unanimous determination win.

Valdez has not fought for the reason that loss to Navarrete in August and has suffered the one two defeats of his professional profession in his three most up-to-date fights, additionally dropping a 2022 bout with then WBC junior light-weight champion Shakur Stevenson in a unification bout through which Valdez dropped the WBO title he’d received two fights earlier with a knockout of Miguel Berchelt. Valdez additionally held the WBO featherweight title from 2016 to 2019 with six profitable title defenses earlier than vacating the belt when he moved up in weight.

“I will be prepared. I used to be making ready myself for a world championship struggle,” Valdez mentioned throughout this week’s press convention. “Then we received the information that it is now for an Interim title. So, I am greater than excited and ready, and we will present that.

“I used to be taking this struggle as significantly as a world championship struggle. I do know Liam Wilson. He is a tricky fighter. I used to be there when he fought Emanuel Navarrete, and he despatched him to the canvas. So that you higher consider that I am coming with every part as a result of I am anticipating that very same Liam Wilson.”

Wilson received proper again to work in 2023, following up his February loss to Navarrete with wins over Carlos Maria Alanis and Jackson Jon England. Wilson has by no means held a world title however that would change if he pulls off the win over Valdez and Navarrete completes a everlasting transfer to light-weight.

“Each struggle for me now could be a world title struggle. So, I’ve ready actually onerous for it. That is my second run at a world title,” Wilson mentioned. “And I’ve proven previously that if I can get a second run, I may be very harmful. I am very prepared for this struggle.

“I am glad he was there {for my struggle in opposition to Navarrete}. The entire world noticed what occurred. I ought to have already turn into world champion. This struggle between me and Valdez ought to have already occurred. I received the belt that evening. It wasn’t awarded to me. However that is simply the way in which issues performed out. However, we’re right here now and we will settle the rating.”

The chief help bout guarantees virtually as a lot motion as the principle occasion, with Seniesa Estrada (25-0, 9 KO) placing her WBA and WBC minimumweight titles on the road in opposition to IBF and WBO champion Yokasta Valle (30-2, 9 KO), with the winner rising as boxing’s newest undisputed champion.

Valdez vs. Wilson struggle card, odds

Viewing data

Date: March 29 | Location: Diamond Desert Area — Glendale, Arizona
Begin time: 6:10 p.m. ET (principal occasion round 11 p.m. ET)
How one can watch: ESPN+

Prediction

Wilson was anticipated to get blown out by Navarrete however proved his high quality by giving the champion all he may deal with earlier than being stopped late within the struggle. Because of this, Wilson is not being ignored heading into the struggle with Valdez however nonetheless will enter the ring as an underdog.

Valdez is in an odd spot in his profession, having been a high-level championship fighter however dropping two of his three most up-to-date outings. Losses to Navarrete and Stevenson are hardly indications that Valdez is completed as an elite fighter as these two males are among the many finest fighters on the planet.

Valdez is the extra confirmed fighter with hundreds extra high-level expertise than Wilson. As well as, he is a bit extra dynamic and must be anticipated to outwork and outbox Wilson. Valdez possible has just a few rocky moments within the struggle however manages to take an in depth, however clear, determination win. Choose: Oscar Valdez by way of UD