Boxing Preview: Oscar Valdez (31-2-0, 23 KO’s) vs. Liam Wilson (13-2-0, 7 KO’s)
Oscar Valdez squaring off against the Aussie brawler Liam Wilson in a 10-round junior lightweight scrap on March 29 at Desert Diamond Arena LIVE on ESPN+
Date: Saturday, March 30
Start Time: USA – 9:00 PM EST (March 29) / UK – 2:00 AM GMT (March 30)
Venue: Glendale, Arizona Streaming: Fox Sports and Kayo, ESPN+
Feature: WBO Interim Super Featherweight World Title Fight
This Friday, Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, will be the stage for a thrilling night of boxing as Oscar Valdez and Liam Wilson battle for the WBO Interim Junior Lightweight World Title. This opportunity arises after reigning champ Emanuel Navarrete chose to pursue the vacant WBO Lightweight World Title against Denys Berinchyk on May 18 in San Diego.
The WBO’s decision to put the Interim title up for grabs adds extra stakes. The winner could be elevated to “Full Champion” status if Navarrete secures the lightweight title and chooses to stay in that division. Bob Arum, the head honcho at Top Rank, is excited, predicting a blockbuster fight with significant implications in a talent-filled division.
Valdez is no stranger to Arizona, marking his seventh fight in this ring, while Wilson looks to overcome past missteps in the same arena. In the co-main event, Seniesa Estrada and Yokasta Valle will face off for the undisputed minimumweight title. With the WBC, WBA, Ring Magazine, WBO, and IBF belts on the line, this 12-round bout promises to be historic.
Bob Arum is eagerly anticipating the event, promising an electrifying experience for the Arizona crowd and viewers at home. Valdez, a fan favorite from Nogales, returns with a vengeance against Wilson, the hard-hitting Australian who’s ready for a fierce contest. Valdez aims to add another world title to his collection, but he knows Wilson is a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, Wilson is determined to prove that his previous defeat to Navarrete was just a fluke and that Valdez might be underestimating him.
Estrada has confidently declared victory, ready to unify the belts with a performance that she believes will make Valle regret stepping into the ring. Valle, however, is brimming with confidence and promises a showdown that will leave fans wanting more. The undercard is packed with undefeated contenders and rising stars. From “Danger” Muratalla’s lightweight fireworks to Richard Torrez Jr.’s heavyweight power, and not to forget Emiliano Fernando Vargas’ lightweight skills, there’s no shortage of excitement.
Lindolfo Delgado’s 2024 Ring Return Against Carlos Sanchez
Lindolfo Delgado, the undefeated junior welterweight sensation and 2016 Olympian from Mexico, prepares for his first fight of 2024. Delgado is set to face fellow Mexican Carlos Sanchez in a 10-round highlight event on Friday, March 29, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
This showdown joins an action-packed lineup, headlined by Oscar Valdez versus Liam Wilson, and the ultimate 12-round minimumweight title fight between unified champion Seniesa Estrada and dual titleholder Yokasta Valle.
Delgado (19-0, 14 KOs) transitioned from a promising new fighter to a top contender by securing a unanimous decision victory over the then-undefeated Omar Aguilar in August 2022. This electrifying battle was hailed as one of the year’s most memorable. Delgado’s winning streak continued into 2023 with three victories, including dominant performances against Clarence Booth, Jair Valtierra, and Luis Hernandez. Delgado aims to dazzle the crowd once again at Desert Diamond Arena, where he has previously triumphed.
Sanchez (25-2, 19 KOs), with eight years of professional experience and only one stoppage loss, faced a setback last September with a 10-round decision loss to Steve Claggett in Canada. However, he rebounded with a victory over Carlos Diaz three months later, marking a return to form.
FIRST BELL: ESPN+ (6:10 p.m. ET/3:10 p.m. PT)
Oscar Valdez vs. Liam Wilson, 12 rounds, Vacant WBO Interim Junior Lightweight World Title
Seniesa Estrada vs. Yokasta Valle 10 rounds, Undisputed Minimumweight Championship
Raymond Muratalla vs. Xolisani Ndongeni 10 rounds, Lightweight
Lindolfo Delgado vs. Carlos Sanchez, 10 rounds, Junior Welterweight
Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Don Haynesworth, 8 rounds, Heavyweight
Sergio Rodriguez vs. Sanny Duversonne, 6 rounds, Middleweight
Emiliano Fernando Vargas vs. Nelson Hampton, 6 rounds, Lightweight
Alan Garcia vs. Gonzalo Fuenzalida, 6 rounds, Lightweight
Art Barrera Jr. vs. Keven Soto, 4 rounds, Junior Welterweight
Ricardo Ruvalcaba vs. Avner Hernandez-Molina, 6 rounds, Junior Welterweight
