Oscar Valdez Stops Jayson Velez Via 10th Round TKO (Video Highlights)

Oscar Valdez (28-0, 22 KO) sent Jayson Velez (29-7-1, 21 KO) to the canvas three times on route to a 10th round TKO victory. The pair faced off in the main event of tonight’s (Tue. July 21) Top Rank Boxing card, which took place inside the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas.

The 29-year-old Valdez returned to the ring after a six-month lay-off and was looking to establish his credentials in the super featherweight division. Coming into this bout, the Mexican was linked with a title clash against compatriot and WBC super featherweight champion Miguel Berchelt. For that bout to take place, Valdez needed to get past Velez.

The Puerto Rican may have been the underdog, but he took the fight to Valdez and ensured the contest was not wholly one-way traffic. However, Valdez’s superior talents shone through and saw him end the bout with seconds left in the final round. In the process, he handed his opponent the first stoppage defeat his career.

“At first, I was a little rusty in there. I couldn’t get my hands going at first little by little; I kept on catching him. The most important thing is I am glad that I got the victory,” Valdez said in the post-fight press conference.

Valdez, who is the former WBO featherweight champion, sights are now set firmly on Berchelt, who is likely to be the bookies favorite in a clash between the pair.

“Miguel Berchelt is the fight I want. He has the WBC title at 130 pounds. I want the WBC title. Miguel and I would make for a great fight,” Valdez said.

What did you think of Valdez’s performance against Velez?