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WBC super featherweight champion Oscar Valdez is still riding high after his sensational knockout of heavily favored Miguel “Alacran” Berchelt.
Valdez, now a two-division world champion, is looking for the biggest possibilities out there.
Following his big win, Valdez found an immediate boost to his star status in the sport.
“I used to be recognized in my country, but now I am more so after this fight [with Berchelt], because a lot of people thought I was going to get knocked out, but thank God we won in a spectacular way and a lot of people were shocked and know that I am the best at 130-pounds thanks to a lot of effort,” Valdez told George Ebro.
“Now that I am a World Boxing Council champion, I am a target for many. Everyone wants that title and that makes me even more disciplined, stricter in the gym. I know everyone wants to take away that hard-won title for me. When I’m told [about my next fight], I have to be ready for whoever.”
As far as his next opponent, Valdez is not ruling out anyone – including undefeated Olympic silver medal winner Shakur Stevenson.
“I have great respect for my team – manager Frank Espinoza, Top Rank and my father. I’ll get in the ring with whoever they put me in with. The division is full of talent, attractive fights, starting with Gervonta Davis who knocked out Leo Santa Cruz, Jamel Herring, Shakur Stevenson, who says we’re afraid of him and that’s not the case… Joseph Diaz. The division is hot,” Valdez said.
“I have all the faith that these fights will come to us and to the public. One thing I really appreciate is the applause [from the fans]. Now I walk through the streets of my country and there are many who tell me that they thought Berchelt was going to beat me, but they recognized my effort. I’m hoping those fights will come, so I can give them to my people.”
In a recent interview, Top Rank’s CEO Bob Arum told BoxingScene.com that Valdez would likely face Olympic gold medal winner Robson Conceicao in the fall.