LAS VEGAS – The organic celebration by Oscar Valdez was a sight to see, almost as much as the moment which spawned the victory.

A near-flawless performance by Valdez concluded with a highlight reel 10th round knockout of Miguel Berchelt, collecting the WBC junior lightweight crown last Saturday at MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas. The two-time Mexican Olympian became a two-division titlist with the moment, further justifying the decision by those who heavily invested in his pro career.

“It’s one of the most special moments I’ve experienced in the sport,” Todd duBoef, president of Top Rank said of Valdez’s performance. “It was one of the memorable ones you have in your life, when you come to cover the sport or be a part of the sport.

“This was a special night and a special victory. It was two incredible champions in the ring. Valdez delivered a terrific performance and then a terrific knockout.”

It was undoubtedly a career-best achievement for Valdez, who signed with Top Rank shortly after his stint in the 2012 London Olympics. The 30-year old from Nogales, Mexico—who now trains in Southern California—remains perfect as a pro, with Saturday’s win running his record to 29-0 (23KOs) including 8-0 (4KOs) in title fights.

Valdez has remained a favorite among the Top Rank staff, prominently featured in its ESPN boxing series since signing an exclusive deal with the network in 2017. There was never a payoff more rewarding to date than what took place in his most recent championship win.

“The real gratitude we have is when you’re able to take someone out of the Olympics and reach this peak,” notes duBoef. “This is years of development, exposure and being partners. We truly are partners with our athletes.

“This is just gratitude; it fills you up.”

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox