WBC champion Oscar Valdez (30-0, 23 KOs) and WBO king Shakur Stevenson (17-0, 9 KOs) will clash on April 30 in a junior lightweight title unification matchup at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Stevenson and Valdez are vying to become the first unified 130lb champion since ring legend Marco Antonio Barrera in 2005.
Oscar Valdez: “I want to make it clear that I am the best 130-pound fighter in the world. We know Shakur Stevenson is very good at fighting, but he’s even better at social media. I’ll let my fists speak for themselves.”
Shakur Stevenson: “I have been chasing this fight for nearly three years since we were both at featherweight. On April 30, I’m going to show him and the world why he ducked me all this time. I’m the best young fighter in the world, and I will become unified champion.”
Bob Arum: “Oscar Valdez and Shakur Stevenson are the world’s best junior lightweights. The fans and the fighters demanded this matchup, and we are proud to deliver it live on ESPN for no extra charge. The winner becomes a superstar, and I know both men will rise to challenge.”
I don’t think you are the best 130 Oscar, Robson Conceicao demonstrated that. Shakur Stevenson will prevail in this beautiful matchup, a great test for both fighters.
I’m glad to see two top guys fighting one another. Now let’s just hope it’s an exciting fight.
Great match. Excellent. Two undefeated fighters. World champions near the peak of their careers. Although Stevenson is still approaching his peak and Valdez is very close to it.
Could end up being a series of fights. Especially if Valdez wins. I think Stevenson is the more consistent fighter but Valdez has more experience against better opponents.
Oscar has tasted the canvas against my compatriot; Shakur has never been against all of his opponents. In my view, Shakur will surety have the edge in this fight.
Best fight @30!!! Happy to see both fighters asking for this fight! Guys @47 should take note!!
This one is going to be wilde !!
I have a feeling something is going to prevent this fight from happening or there will be a delay. This is to good to be true for modern day boxing where the best dodge the best.
This fight is easy to predict. Shakur by wiiiiiiiiiiiide decision or late(10 rd) stoppage.
The ball is in Valdez’s court because Stevenson will present a defensive/offensive style, height, size (on fight night) and reach that is very complex and very technical:
1) If Valdez tries to box from the outside, he will lose by a wide UD.
2) If Valdez applies inside pressure with a decent volume of solid body punching, he will lose by a wide UD.
3) If Valdez tries to throw wild power punches, he will lose by a wide UD.
4) If Valdez applies inside pressure with a low volume of combination punches to head/body, he will lose by a close UD.
5) If Valdez works his jab, applies inside pressure and delivers a decent volume of combination punches to head/body, he will win by SD.
6) if Valdez works his jab, keeps his head moving, applies inside pressure and delivers a high volume of combination punches to head/body, he will win by a wide UD.
7) If Valdez catches Stevenson cold during the early rounds, he will win by TKO (although highly unlikely).
Valdez has to do everything right for a victory. Thus far, I pick Stevenson by UD.
Valdez will catch Stevenson early and win by KO!!!! Let’s go Valdezzz Viva México Cabronessssss
I’m glad this bout is happening; I must say I’ll be rooting for Valdez, but Shakur is very slick, the fight can turn into a boring one if Valdez doesn’t close the gap. of course, is just my opinion, just hoping for a good fight. let’s enjoy it since both of them are willing to risk their belts.
this is an easy fight to predict…. if valdez gives him space Stevensen will run and scratch his way to a points win now if Stevensen trys to stand and bang he gets KOd its just that simple this aint sparring with headgear and 16oz gloves Stevensen will lose if a fight breaks out
No way in hell Valdez beats Stevenson.