Valdez wants Warrington war next – Frampton’s 2019 world title plans scuppered?
WBO featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez [26(20)-0] is keen to unify and as a result would prefer to fight Josh Warrington [29(6)-0] not Carl Frampton [20(15)-2(0)] next.
It has been strongly suggested that IBF strap holder Warrington would look to unify with WBA title holder Leo Santa Cruz before the year is out, while Valdez would defend against Frampton in December.
In fact, the Belfast fighter has all but been promised a fight with his fellow Top Rank featherweight if he comes through Emanuel Dominguez in Philadelphia on August 10th.
However, the Mexican world title holder seems to have other ideas. Valdez wants to add another title to his collection and has targeted a unification clash with recent Kid Galahad defeater Warrington.
“In order to be the best in the world, you have beat the best in your weight class,” he said.
“I’m willing to fight anyone in order to prove I’m the best. I want to start with Warrington to unify, I’m ready for the showdown,” he adds before indicating another defence does not particularly appeal.
“I’m at a point in my career where it’s time to make these moves. I’ve defended my title six times and now it’s time to take on the other champions. The time has come to make history.”
Top Rank and Bob Arum may be keener on a Valdez-Frampton pairing and may try push it through to ensure they keep the promises made.
However, the WBO champ’s manager Frank Espinoza claims the unification bout is the one that now appeals most.
“This would be an exciting fight. Oscar wants to unify the world titles. He’s a champion willing to fight the best. That’s what real champions do. They shoot for making history and that’s what he wants.”
It has to be noted that only a matter of weeks ago Espinoza claimed Valdez was demanding a December showdown with the former world champion from Belfast..
Frampton still remains on the radar it seems, but whether or not the Mexican has two more fights in him at featherweight remains to be seen.
“Warrington is a talented fighter and I think we would give the fans a special show.”
“Frampton has a large following and he’s a no nonsense difficult fighter. The fight would be a fan favorite.”
