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WBO world champ Oscar Valdez demands Carl Frampton fight

WBO featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez [26(20)-0] has demanded a December fight with Carl Frampton [26(15)-2(0)].

The Mexican fighter successfully defended his strap with a points win over Jason Sanchez in Reno last weekend and wants the Belfast fighter next.

‘The Jackal’ is certainly keen and has been vocal about his plans to return from his defeat to IBF world champion Josh Warrington in August before fighting for the WBO title before the year is out.

However, in recent weeks it has become unclear whether or not Frampton would be challenging fellow Top Rank fighter Valdez for his title or trading leather for a vacant crown.

The suggestions are the exciting American based puncher may elect to move up in weight. While Valdez, who has defended the title six times and like Frampton has a victory over Scott Quigg, has never not made 126kgs when required, his team have been open about the fact a move to super featherweight is imminent.

Indeed, Top Rank prospect Shakur Stevenson only yesterday claimed Valdez would move up and put his name forward as a possible world title for former two weight world champ Frampton.

However, the 28 year old won’t make the move up in weight until he defends his title one more time – and whilst Warrington if he overcomes Kid Galahad in Leeds this weekend is an option – Valdez wants his final featherweight world title defense to be against Frampton.

“He asked me to fight with Carl Frampton, he wants that fight,” Valdez’s manager Frank Espinoza said. “And the other option could be Josh Warrington, a unifying one, but the priority is Frampton.

a”Obviously we try to do the best for Valdez, we want him to listen to his body and where he feels better then we will look for the best opportunities, but he has told us about Frampton, it is a fight that we know that the Irishman wants and of course Oscar wants, hopefully we can achieve something.”

 

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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