Tim Bradley has come out swinging against Oscar Valdez 29-0 (23) after the WBC super featherweight champion was cleared to face Robson Conceicao 16-0 (18) at Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Arizona on September 10 despite failing a drug test.
It was reported this week that Mexican Valdez, 30, turned in a positive drug test for Phentermine to the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA). However, as the testing time was considered “out of competition” the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Athletic Department who have jurisdiction over the fight have voted to allow the bout to go ahead.
That doesn’t sit well with retired former world champion Bradley, who now works as a pundit for ESPN.
“I hope he knocks him the hell out,” Bradley said of Conceicao to ESPN. “If this fight goes on and nothing changes, I hope [Valdez] gets knocked out. Seriously, and I’m a fan of Oscar Valdez. I’m hurt by this. I’m really hurt by this.
Former WBO featherweight champion Valdez is coming off a breakthrough win over countryman Miguel ‘El Alacran’ Berchelt 38-2 (24) in Las Vegas in February. In that bout Valdez displayed the classy power-boxing style he has learnt under new coach Eddy Reynoso, stopping Berchelt in the 10th.
“I went on national TV, live TV, and said this guy is now my hero after he defeated Berchelt,” Bradley said.
“I’m sick to my stomach over this situation.
Team Valdez blamed herbal tea for the dirty drug test. Bradley says it doesn’t matter how he came to have a prohibited substance in his system.
“Whether it’s tea or not or whatever it is,” he said. “Nobody cares about that. He tested positive, so everybody can think whatever the heck they want to think.
“I’m thinking you’re dirty, my friend. That’s just it. I’m done, move on. I’m done.”
Valdez has insisted he never knowingly ingested an illegal substance.
“I have never used banned substances to improve my performance,” Valdez said in a statement released on social media. “I have never done it. I have been respectful of the anti-doping rules since I was an amateur, Olympian, and now professional.
“Since I became world champion in 2016, I have been VADA-tested more than 30 times. I insisted – in writing – on VADA testing for myself and Robson Conceicao for this fight.
“I would like to thank my manager Frank Espinoza, [promoter] Top Rank, [trainer] Eddy Reynoso and my entire team for standing by me throughout this process.
“I would also like to thank the Pascua Yaqui Boxing Commission for the due process in hearing my case.”
The WBC have backed Valdez despite placing some sanctions on him including becoming a WBC Ambassador, enrolling in their weight management program and placing him on a six month probation.
“It is simple, this is not a performance-enhancing drug,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said to ESPN.
“It is like if you take three Red Bulls. In the anti-doping world, there are hundreds of substances… If you go to a 7-Eleven and you steal a candy bar, you stole, it’s illegal. But that is different from robbing a bank with guns and pistols that will give you seven years in jail.
“Valdez will have absolutely no advantage and the challenger will have no risk.”
Bradley’s comments may create a quandary for ESPN+ who will broadcast the Valdez-Conceicao fight.
