By Francisco Salazar

The learning curve for Oscar Valdez keeps increasing with each fight. Not to mention his level of opposition.

Both will be on display on Friday night when he faces former world title challenger Chris Avalos inside the Chelsea Ballroom at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Nev.

The bout will top a 'MetroPCS Friday Night Knockout' telecast and will follow the super middleweight bout between Jesse Hart and Aaron Pryor, Jr.

Both bouts will be televised live on Tru TV, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT.

Since making his professional debut nearly three years ago, Valdez has impressed boxing media and fans by how often he has fought and the level of opposition he has faced. He has passed each test with impressive results, including his last fight on Jun. 26, when he won a one-sided 10 round decision over Ruben Tamayo.

Valdez (16-0, 14 KOs) is one of Top Rank's top unbeaten prospects and he has been fortunate to showcase his skills on numerous platforms, including UniMas, HBO, and now Tru TV.

He faces a stern test in Avalos, who challenged Carl Frampton for a junior featherweight world title on Feb. 28. Avalos was stopped in the fifth round.

In his last bout on Aug. 1, Avalos (26-3, 19 KOs) defeated Rey Perez by unanimous decision over eight one-sided rounds.

"I'm taking this fight like any of the other fights I've had," Valdez told BoxingScene.com in a recent phone interview. "I take every fight serious. No disrespect to Avalos, but I'm going to do my best in the ring."

"He (Avalos) is aggressive and puts up a good fight. He has a good punch, but he does make mistakes, which myself and my trainer (Manny Robles) went over. He may be an aggressive fighter, but we're going to show that I'm the better fighter. I have my experience in the pro ranks and I'm a confident fighter."

The 24-year-old Valdez, who represented Mexico twice in the last two Olympic Games, has talked the talk thus far. Aside from taking on all challengers in the ring, he has received great sparring against the likes of lightweight Ivan Najera and IBF featherweight world title holder Lee Selby.

"I've had some great sparring for this fight," said Valdez, who is trained by Frank Espinoza. "It's great experience for me."

With the success he has had thus far, Valdez's accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. As his fight have appeared on English and Spanish-speaking programming, Valdez has been recognized often on both sides of the border.

His crossover appeal has made him a marketable commodity, especially since he is bilingual. He recently taped public-service announcements in English and Spanish speaking against bullying.

All the extra publicity may overwhelm young fighters, but Valdez has handled everything in stride. He believes it is due to his humble beginnings in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico and his work ethic.

"I'm recognized more in the United States. I always get recognized in Mexico because I represented them in the Olympics. It's cool getting recognized more often here in the States, but I just use that as more motivation. I want to be at my best and always work hard."

"I believe in maintaining discipline and I love what I do in the gym. Boxing has been good to me and it is my passion. I give it my all in the gym and in the ring. I love being in there."

While Valdez has found a great deal of success thus far, he still has not hit his ceiling. It will be compelling to see not only how he continues to progress, but when he could possibly fight for a world title belt.

Chris Avalos will be the best opponent Valdez will face on paper. How Valdez performs remains to be seen, but an impressive win could validate a very successful future many boxing writers envision Valdez will have.

Valdez believes he has a lot to prove.

"I hope to prove who the real Oscar Valdez really is. I feel like I don't have to make a statement (on Friday). I just want to show what I can do. People think I can only knock people out, but I can box as well."

"I just want to do my best."

Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (CA) Star newspaper, RingTV, and Knockout Nation. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing