There comes a time in every good boxer career where he goes from prospect to contender and contender to world title challenger. Two-time Mexican Olympian Oscar Valdez has made the leap over the last seven months.

Back in September of 2014 in Las Vegas Valdez made the leap from prospect to contender with a spectacular knockout over former world championship challenger Chris Avalos and this past Saturday the young Mexican demonstrated his ready for world title bout with an even more spectacular knockout over former world champion Evgeny Gradovich.

Valdez (19-0, 17 KOs) of Nogales, Sonora, Mexico stopped Gradovich in the fourth round with a powerful left hook after dominating the first three rounds of the fight with his speed, movement and accurate punching combinations.

“I came into the fight wanting to show everyone that I was ready for a world title fight and I think earned that shot tonight. We had a great plan for this fight and it was just about executing   it and doing what we worked on during training camp,” said Valdez, after the fight.

It has taken Valdez a little over three years in his professional career to get to this point and he has worked very hard to get here.

“As a fighter you evolved and I have done that. I know I am much better boxer now that when I begin my professional career. I have work very hard to improve and this fight with Gradovich is proof that I am ready to challenge for a world title,” said Valdez.

Valdez, fan base has grown with every outing and he might just be the next big star of Mexican boxing.

“I just want to be the best that I can be. I am honored to be compared to the likes of Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera, and I do appreciate the fans for supporting and believing that someday I might be like them,” said Valdez.

With a solid team behind him, managers Frank Espinoza and his son Frankie Espinoza and his trainer Manuel “Manny” Robles and his father Oscar Valdez Sr., the young Mexican is waiting to see what’s next.

“I am going home rest for a few days and will return to the gym very soon. My team and my promoter Top Rank will let me know what’s next and I will be ready. For now I just want to enjoy this victory tonight,” said Valdez.