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Injured champion Óscar Valdez intends to take on Carl Frampton in comeback fight


If Óscar Valdez [24(19)-0] had to pick one name to fight from the talented pool of big name featherweights he would choose Carl Frampton.

The Mexican could go plump for a big money Mexican derby fight with the winner of Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares’ WBA world title fight or chase another unification fight with IBF title holder Josh Warrington while a clash with Gary Russell Jr who holds the WBC strap would also generate interest.

However, the WBO world champion believes a Frampton [25(14)-1(0)] fight would prove the most fan friendly and is therefore the one he wants next.

The Olympian is currently enduring a spell on the sidelines having had his jaw broken by the overweight Scott Quigg during his successful defence versus the Englishman back in March.

Only recently having the wires removed following surgery, Valdez is now able to eat solid foods but a ring return is still a long way off.

When this enforced absence is ended, however, the former Mick Conlan stablemate wants to go straight in at the deep end.

There are a lot of big names in this division and I honestly would love to fight anyone of them. The one I especially want to fight is Frampton,” Valdez told Fight Hype TV. 

Even if the Top Rank fighter did want to pursue other options he couldn’t as Frampton’s WBO interim featherweight title victory over Nonito Donaire last month ensured him effective mandatory status.

When Valdez returns from injury he has to face the Belfast fan-favourite and, while both his manager Frank Espinoza and promoter Bob Arum have stated that they will look for a gentler reintroduction, the fighter himself seems more than content to fulfill his obligation.

“He is the mandatory fight so even I wanted someone else I am obligated to fight him,” stated Valdez before discussing the bout.

“It’s a good fight Carl Frampton is a great fighter he gives the crowd what they want, which is a good fight. Let’s do it! I want to fight Frampton and give the crowd what they want, which is a good fight.”  

The 27-year-old heavy hitter would have been ideal opposition to face Frampton as he realizes his Windsor dream on August 18th but injury ruled him out of the equation.

It had been suggested that the California-based fighter could step aside, allowing Frampton’s interim title to be upgraded to the full title – although ‘The Jackal’ has stated that in this scenario he would view his first ‘defence’ on August 18th as a vacant title fight.

All this talk, however, looks to be just that, with Valdez wanting to keep his belt. The champion does hope to be back from injury before the end of the year and put his title on the line against the Queensbury-promoted Frampton in December.

“I am hoping to the doctor gives me the all clear to fight late this year or early next year. I hope it’s not too long because I am just anxious to go back in the ring and get it on for my next fight. ”

This could push a clash with Warrington, mooted by common promoter Warren for December at the Manchester Arena, back to 2019. Should Frampton dethrone Valdez and assuming Warrington holds onto his red belt, the proposed bout could then become

First though, Frampton is still awaiting confirmation of his next opponent for August 18th with an announcement due either today or tomorrow according to promoter Frank Warren.

READ: Irish-Boxing.com’s run-through of Frampton’s potential Windsor opponents

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