Oscar Valdez, who will pursue the super featherweight world title of the World Boxing Council at the end of the year, is not overlooking battle-tested Puerto Rican contender Jayson Velez on Tuesday in Las Vegas.
A win over Velez would put Valdez in position for a world title clash with WBC champion Miguel Berchelt.
Valdez vacated the WBO's featherweight belt for the opportunity to move up and face Berchelt.
But he's not looking too far ahead and is keeping himself motivated on Velez.
"Against Vélez I will not be able to take that fight lightly, he has several defeats, but that does not mean anything because he has lost against world champions like Ronny Ríos, Joseph Díaz and René Alvarado... when you face such high quality opponents you can lose, but he is a great boxer," said Valdez, 29-years-old, to EFE.
For Valdez the bout will be his first since November of 2019.
"I am anxious, it has been a long time since my last fight. It is a blessing to have the opportunity to get into the ring because with the pandemic not everyone can return to their sport. Boxing has already opened back up and I have an opportunity to do what I like the most," said Valdez, who has a record with 27 consecutive wins, 21 of them by knockout.
"A lot of people want to see my fight against Bertchelt, but right now I'm not thinking about it. I am focused on Vélez. If I can hurt him at the beginning of the fight, I will look to finish him quickly..it would be the ideal not to wear myself out, although it will be a difficult fight.
Despite the isolation due to COVID-19, which in Mexico totals 331,298 cases with 38,310 deaths, Valdez kept training and will come into good shape for Vélez, who has a record of 29 victories, six defeats and a draw.
