We caught up with Frank Espinoza, the widely respected manager of WBC super featherweight champion Oscar Valdez. Espinoza has guided the careers of ten champions and has helmed Valdez’s title-winning run from his first fight as a professional. Valdez (30-0, 23 KOs) a native of Nogales, Sonora will be fighting Shakur Stevenson (17-0, 9 KOs) in a compelling match to be held at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas on April 30th. Both the WBC and the WBO titles will be up for grabs that night.

Tell us about the process for making this fight.

Stevenson has been flapping his mouth about Oscar a lot and we’re going to shut him up. He claimed Oscar was ducking him but we signed the contract for the fight first. It took him longer. Shakur claimed he wanted this fight and now he’s become a target. Careful what you wish for.

Why this fight against Stevenson? 

This is the fight Oscar wanted and it made sense. Not only because of Shakur’s disrespectful demeanor, he’s looking to solidify his legacy. He beat a monster puncher like Miguel Berchelt. Now it’s time to knock off a boxer/runner in Stevenson. It’s important for his career. Shakur has been mouthing off quite a bit. Saying Oscar has ducked him and other things. Oscar is like the typical Mexican fighter. He will be letting his fists do the talking for him.

Would you say that Shakur Stevenson is the biggest challenge Oscar has ever faced?

It’s a huge challenge at this point in his career. Stevenson has a top notch pedigree but he turns into a track star once he gets in the ring. The guy is a runner. But we’re gonna chase him down and he’s going to feel the wrath of Oscar Valdez. Berchelt was the biggest challenge when we first fought him and Oscar, against all odds, soundly defeated him. Now it’s time for him to do the same to Shakur Stevenson.

How do you counter Stevenson’s boxing skills?

By timing him correctly and outsmarting him. He’s a good fighter and that makes it difficult but we are up for the challenge. We have a great team in place including Oscar’s trainer and my friend Eddy Reynoso who’s a great strategist. Like I said, Stevenson’s a runner but we will catch him and make him eat his words.

How do you think this fight will play out?

I think it will be a complicated fight but I have full confidence in what Eddy Reynoso brings to the table as far as strategy is involved. I think that Oscar’s strength, stamina, and mindset are what will be the big difference at the end of the day. Oscar is training like never before. He trains year-round. Fight or no fight. That’s the big differentiator. That’s what the high level champions do. Stevenson isn’t much of a puncher and you’ve seen what kind of power Oscar has.

What’s it been like to watch Oscar progress from an amateur to a professional?

It’s been a great experience to watch a young fighter like Oscar mature into a professional world champion. His growth has been tremendous and I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished together as a team. It just goes to show that if we all do our job then the sky’s the limit.

What does a win over Stevenson do for Valdez?

It makes his career more meaningful. It brings his reputation to another level and that’s what he’s looking for. It adds more greatness to his career and that’s what every legendary fighter seeks. Greatness.

How has Oscar developed under Eddy Reynoso?

He’s gone from a puncher/boxer to a boxer/puncher who is more mindful in the ring. He’s thinking more inside the ring. He’s setting up his combinations better. I also see him more motivated than ever. He’s part of the same training family as Canelo Alvarez so that’s a huge motivation. The example Canelo provides is important.

This fight will take place in the MGM Grand at the big arena and will be broadcast worldwide. What’s it like for you before a huge fight like this? Do you get nervous? 

I do get a little nervous. Oscar is a fighter that I’ve worked with from the beginning of his career. I care for all my fighters and I want the best for them and I know what these fights mean to them. There’s a lot at stake for them and also me as a manager. Yes, it’s exciting, but once the fight starts, all that goes out the window. It’s an interesting process and I’m glad to be a part of it.

What message would you like to give to boxing fans about this fight? 

If you’re truly a fight fan then you need to watch this fight. These are two of the best fighters in the world and they’re motivated by the need for greatness. This is about more than staying undefeated and winning world titles. This is about pride and being able to back up your words. Everything they’ve ever worked for comes down to this fight. This is the fight that will define their careers. This will be a dogfight from the first bell. I don’t know one true fight fan who isn’t excited about this. This will be an all-time classic.