Liam Wilson hopes his fight with Oscar Valdez will establish him near the top of the junior lightweight division.
Wilson fights Valdez, a former world champion, on Friday, March 29 (live on ESPN+ in the US), on a card which also features Seniesa Estrada vs. Yokasta Valle to decide the women’s minimum undisputed champion.
Wilson pushed Emanuel Navarette hard for the WBO title in the same division last year, but was ultimately stopped in the ninth round.
Two wins since then, against Carlos Alanis and Jon England - both last year - have him back to winning ways, and now he is looking forward to a serious challenge against Valdez.
He said: “I’ve had two fights since the Navarrete fight. I feel much more prepared this time around. I’m going back to the same place. I’m much more familiar with the whole atmosphere there. I’m really looking forward to March 29.”
“I think he’s going to want to prove himself in this fight. He wants to show that he still has what it takes to be a world champion. So, while I’m not sure what to expect, I know he is well rounded. You don’t become a two-division world champion by being one-dimensional.”
“It’s hard to predict what’s going to happen with him. In the past, he’s shown that he likes to go in there and brawl. But he’s also been boxing and moving more in his last couple fights. So, I’m not too sure what to expect from him, but I’m ready for anything.”
“He has been in a lot of wars. I have that tendency as well. If a fight gets rough, I get dragged into it. So, I’m ready for anything. I’m going to use my abilities. I’m going to stick to my game plan. But I’m also ready for a war.”
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