Valdez defeated champion Miguel Berchelt with dramatic 10th round knockout
CANASTOTA, NY - MARCH 30, 2021 - On February 20th former WBO featherweight champion Oscar Valdez dethroned WBC super featherweight champion Miguel Berchelt in dramatic fashion, scoring a sensational one-punch knockout in the final seconds of the 10th round to become a two-division champion. The bout, which took place in “The Bubble” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, was televised live on ESPN and presented by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum’s Top Rank. Following the bout, Valdez graciously donated the boxing robe he wore into the ring that night to the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
“Going into the title bout Valdez was an underdog and he proved the odds makers wrong with a dominant performance that ended in emphatic fashion thanks to a perfectly timed left hook,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “We are excited that the new champion has donated his robe from such a meaningful bout to the Hall of Fame.”
Born in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, the unbeaten Valdez (29-0, 23 KOs) is a two-time Olympian. He turned pro in 2012 and reigned as WBO featherweight champion from 2016 until 2019 and successfully defended six times. Valdez, who is managed by Espinoza Boxing, trained by Eddy Reynoso and promoted by Top Rank, has wins over Jayson Velez, Scott Quigg and Evgeny Gradovich among others.
“I’m happy that the IBHOF gets to keep this robe. I wore this during an important time of my career and it means a lot to me. I’m happy that it’s going to a special place like the IBHOF,” said Valdez.
“We’re proud to bring this important part of boxing history to the IBHOF. This fight meant so much to Oscar Valdez and to our team at Espinoza Boxing. We’re happy it’s going to an amazing new home!” said Espinoza Boxing C.E.O. Frank Espinoza.
“Oscar Valdez is a proud Mexican champion and a student of the sport. His fight against Miguel Berchelt was a significant moment in his nation’s boxing history, and I can’t think of a better place for his fight robe than the International Boxing Hall of Fame,” said Arum.
A not-for-profit organization, the International Boxing Hall of Fame opened to the public in 1989 in Canastota, New York and is located at Exit 34 of the New York State Thruway. Hours of operation are Monday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information on the Hall of Fame please call (315) 697-7095 or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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