Two-time Mexican Olympian Oscar Valdez ready for bright lights
CARSON, Calif. - Bob Arum and Co. have built many young Mexicans into stars, and the company feels they have another one in waiting.
Top Rank's blue-chip prospect, Oscar Valdez, begins his journey toward stardom Saturday when he makes his HBO debut against Ruben Tamayo, the 24-year-old's first scheduled 10-rounder.
Valdez, who is fluent in Spanish and English, competes in the loaded featherweight division and knows he has what it takes to be fast-tracked to title contention. After all, he's the only boxer in history to represent Mexico in two different Olympic games.
"I have a lot faith in myself, I'm ready for the top fighters right now," Valdez, who owns a bronze medal, told Paste BN Sports. "… I want to prove that I can fight but at the same time show that I'm an excellent fighter. I don't got just one plan, I got Plan B, Plan C. If Plan A doesn't work, I can always switch it up inside the ring. I want to prove that I'm an excellent fighter, not just a brawler."
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The ability to make quality in-ring adjustments often separates prospects from contenders. But Valdez (15-0, 14 KOs) is confident his vast experience in the amateurs will carry him to success.
His manager, Frank Espinoza, has advised many young Latino fighters to the top and feels Valdez is his best prospect yet.
"I think this year he's ready to fight for a world title. Another fight or so, we'll see how it goes," said Espinoza, who considers Israel Vasquez his best fighter ever. "But things have been going really well and we're looking forward to seeing him be a world champion. We'll fight anybody.
"He's going to be the next Mexican idol. He can fight, he has the fan-friendly style. He brings everything to the table."
Arum counts Valez among his top prospects, a group that includes Jesse Hart, Gilbert Ramirez, Jose Ramirez and Felix Verdejo. However, the 83-year-old cautioned that it's too early to tell how good Valdez will be.
Valdez certainly has the charming personality, punching power and looks to reach great heights. Now we need to find out if he can fight.