WBC super featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez 29-0 (23) is set to return to the ring when he takes on Robson Conceição 16-0 (8) at the AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Arizona on September 10.
The 30-year-old Mexican is coming off a stunning 10th round knockout of countryman Miguel Berchelt 37-2 (33) in Las Vegas in February. Valdez, who entered the fight as the underdog after moving up in weight, had Berchelt on the deck in rounds four, nine and 10.
“I am very excited to fight in my second home, Tucson, Arizona, where I will have my first defence of the WBC super featherweight world title,” Valdez said.
“It motivates me to know that I will defend the title in front of my friends and my family and I will be willing to put it on the line as in all my fights. I’m coming to give a great show to my people and I can’t wait to see you on September 10.”
Undefeated Brazilian Conceição, 32, is a talented boxer who won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the lightweight division. Since turning pro five years ago all but three of his bouts have taken place on US soil.
“I’ve been waiting my whole life for this opportunity and that’s why I’m training with great determination. I will represent my family and Brazil,” Conceição said.
“I already won a gold medal for my country and now I will bring home a world title. With great determination, I will deliver a great performance. It will be a true spectacle!”
Top Rank chairman Bob Arum added: “Oscar Valdez is coming off a career-best performance and wants to put on a spectacular showing in front of the great Tucson fans.
“Conceição has been waiting for this shot ever since he turned pro and having promoted him for his entire career, I know he’ll be at his very best.”
In the co-feature rising super featherweight Gabriel Flores Jr 20-0 (7) from Stockton, California will clash with tough Mexican Luis Alberto Lopez 22-2 (12).
“This is the next step in my journey towards a world title, and I will convincingly defeat Lopez,” Flores said. “I’m going to prove once again that I’m ready for the next level.”
Lopez said: “I appreciate matchmaker Brad Goodman and Top Rank for the opportunity to fight Gabriel Flores Jr. I know he’ll be prepared to give everything on September 10, but so am I, and I guarantee nothing but my very best. I’m a man of few words, and I’ll let my actions do the talking inside the ring.”
On the undercard undefeated WBO flyweight world champion Junto Nakatani 21-0 (16) will defend his world title against Puerto Rican former world champion Angel ‘Tito’ Acosta 22-2 (21) in his first fight outside of Japan.
Undefeated Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas 9-0 (7) will box a six round junior middleweight bout against an opponent to be named and lightweight Raymond Muratalla 12-0 (10) will see action in an eight-rounder.
Also scheduled to appear in eight-round bouts are 2016 Mexican Olympian and junior welterweight prospect Lindolfo Delgado 12-0 (11), rising super featherweight René Telléz Girón 15-1 (9) and Mexican junior welterweight knockout artist Omar Aguilar 21-0 (20).