The long-awaited clash between WBC super featherweight champion Miguel ‘El Alacran’ Berchelt 37-1 (33) and former WBO featherweight champion Oscar Valdez 28-0 (22) will finally take place at ‘The Bubble’ at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 20.
The all-Mexican showdown was originally scheduled to take place on December 12 before Berchelt was diagnosed with Covid-19 and the fight was postponed.
“I’m excited. This is one of those fights that will cement both of these fighters’ legacy,” said Valdez’s manager Frank Espinoza to Fightnews.
“These are two of the best and most exciting fighters on the planet. When they meet, it will be an incredible explosion. This is a can’t miss fight.
“We kept Oscar training. We knew this fight would eventually happen so we really prepared. Oscar spent his time in Guadalajara training with Canelo’s trainer Eddie Reynoso.
“I think keeping him active was key. He kept his training going and we expect him to be sharp and in the best shape of his career on February 20.”
The 29-year-old Berchelt is looking to make the eighth successful defence of the world title he won from Francisco Vargas four years ago. He has scored seven knockouts in world title fights including a sixth-round stoppage of Eleazar Valenzuela in his last fight in Mexico City in June.
“He’s a gritty, no-nonsense fighter. He has zero quit in him and is extremely strong,” Espinoza continued.
“Fortunately, Eddie Reynoso is on our team and he’s dealt with these types of fighters before. Eddie has devised a special game plan for this fight.
“It’s going to take a lot of discipline, patience, and intelligence. These are all qualities that Oscar has and I see him beating Berchelt in what will be a fight of the year candidate.
“He’s a great trainer and a teacher. Eddie has made some great changes in Oscar’s defence. I like working with the best and Eddie is definitely the best trainer in the sport and a tremendous asset to our team.”
Valdez, 30, will be having his third fight at the 130-pound weight limit. In his last outing he stopped Jayson Velez in 10 rounds in Las Vegas in July.
“Every fighter eventually has that fight that will define his or her legacy. Winning this fight will bring Oscar to the next level,” said Espinoza. “This is Oscar’s time. He’s ready for the glory and its rewards.”
Espinoza sees parallels in this matchup and his former fighter Israel Vazquez’s epic four fight series with Rafael Marquez.
“There are definite similarities. These are also two very exciting and dangerous fighters in their prime,” he said.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if this fight is just as action-packed. These are high quality fighters with a lot of pride and extremely hungry. A lot is on the line.
“If you’re a true boxing fan then you can’t miss this one. Forget all the other big matchups. This is the one you have to see.
“Oscar has a real sense of history. He wants to be a fighter that everyone will remember and talk about. And he wants that prestigious WBC belt. The green belt. This fight means everything to Oscar so expect him to leave it all in the ring.”
