Former WBO featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez is fully focused on landing his mandatory shot at WBC super featherweight beltholder Miguel “El Alacran” Berchelt.
Valdez (27-0, 21 KOs) moved up in weight last November and was recently made the mandatory challenger.
While the coronavirus pandemic plays out, Valdez is staying busy in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.
Valdez, who is trained by top coach Eddy Reynoso, has no interest in an interim-fight.
He's very motivated to head straight to Berchelt for a world title showdown.
“We only have one fighter in mind right now, which is ‘El Alacran’ Berchelt because I’m the mandatory fighter. It’s a mandatory fight, and there were rumors it was going to be May 9. I was already back in training camp in San Diego for May 9, but then we got the news that {May 9} was Jose Ramirez and Viktor Postol. We just continued training. It wasn’t going to hurt us to remain in camp," Valdez said to Top Rank’s Crystina Poncher.
“The fight hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s a mandatory fight. The fight has to happen. I think, on our side, we’re ready to sign the contract because I’m going for my dream. I want that belt. We want to make it official, and I was already training for that fight. Right now, we just gotta train back home. It is what it is. I think Berchelt is the toughest fighter in that division. That’s why we’re going after him. We want to go for everything.”
Valdez is not looking to make a quick jump in the aftermath of his fight with Berchelt. He plans to stay at the weight for a while.
“I don’t think I’m moving up any time soon. I’ve been a featherweight for pretty much all my career, ever since I turned pro in 2012. I think it was time to go up to 130. I don’t see myself going up any time soon. I want to accomplish my dream to become a world champion again. That’s why I’m going after this challenge now," Berchelt said.