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 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, the boxing scene heats up as Oscar Valdez and Liam Wilson duke it out for the WBO Interim Junior Lightweight World Title. This comes after Emanuel Navarrete, the reigning champ, opted 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 means there’s more than just pride on the line in Arizona. The winner could be catapulted to “Full Champion” status if Navarrete clinches the lightweight title and decides to stick with it. Bob Arum, the big boss at Top Rank, is hyped about the fight, foreseeing it as a blockbuster with huge implications in a division brimming with talent.
Valdez is no stranger to Arizona’s dust and heat, marking his seventh dance in this ring, while Wilson aims to scrub off the sting of past stumbles in the very same battleground.
In the co-main event, Seniesa Estrada and Yokasta Valle throw down for the undisputed minimumweight throne. With the WBC/WBA/Ring Magazine and WBO/IBF belts hanging on the line, this 12-rounder is nothing short of historic.
Bob Arum, the big boss at Top Rank, couldn’t contain his excitement, promising an event that’ll have the Arizona crowd on their feet and the rest of us glued to our screens. Valdez, the heartthrob of Nogales, is back with a vengeance, facing Wilson, the hard-hitting Aussie who’s no stranger to a good old-fashioned donnybrook.
Valdez, with his eyes on the prize, is itching to add another world title to his collection but knows Wilson’s no walk in the park. Meanwhile, Wilson’s all fired up, ready to prove that his last tango with Navarrete was just a fluke and that Valdez might just be biting off more than he can chew.
Estrada’s not one to mince words, already declaring victory and ready to unify those belts with a performance that’ll have Valle wishing she’d stayed home. Valle, on the other hand, is buzzing with confidence, promising a showdown that’ll have fans begging for more.
And let’s not forget the undercard, packed with undefeated contenders and rising stars ready to set the stage ablaze. From “Danger” Muratalla’s lightweight fireworks to Richard Torrez Jr.’s heavyweight hammer, and not overlooking Emiliano Fernando Vargas’ lightweight wizardry, there’s no shortage of thrills.
Lindolfo Delgado’s 2024 Ring Return Against Carlos Sanchez
Lindolfo Delgado, the undefeated junior welterweight sensation and 2016 Olympian from Mexico, gears up for his first fight of 2024. Delgado is scheduled to clash with fellow Mexican, Carlos Sanchez, in a 10-round highlight event on Friday, March 29, at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
The Delgado-Sanchez showdown joins an action-packed lineup, headlined by Oscar Valdez versus Liam Wilson in a 10-round battle, and the ultimate 12-round minimumweight title fight between the unified champion Seniesa Estrada and dual titleholder Yokasta Valle.
Delgado (19-0, 14 KOs) transitioned from a promising new fighter to a top-contender in August 2022 by securing a unanimous decision victory over the then-undefeated Omar Aguilar. This electrifying eight-round battle was hailed as one of the year’s most memorable. Delgado’s winning streak continued into 2023 with three victories, including a dominant performance against Clarence Booth, a near shutout against Jair Valtierra, and a decisive victory over Luis Hernandez. Delgado aims to dazzle the crowd once again at the 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
