Oscar Valdez and Liam Wilson were hoping their fight on Friday would lead to a future title shot for the winner.
Now it will actually be one.
Top Rank announced Tuesday that the Valdez vs. Wilson bout will be for the vacant WBO interim junior lightweight world title. This comes after current champion, Emanuel Navarrete, took on a fight against Denys Berinchyk for the vacant WBO lightweight world title in May.
In a letter to Top Rank boss Bob Arum, the WBO explained the decision and the conditions that Friday's winner must adhere to:
- The winner of the Valdez-Wilson fight must face Navarrete within 120 days of his May 18 bout against Berinchyk "to terminate the interim champion status" if Navarrete returns to the the 130lbs division.
- Should Navarrete defeat Berinchyk and retain the WBO lightweight championship, the Valdez-Wilson winner "shall be elevated to 'full champion' status" at junior lightweight and face a WBO mandatory challenger within 180 days
- If Navarrete loses to Berinchyk, the WBO reserves the right to determine whether the junior lightweight title will be declared vacant or not
“This not only promises to be a sensational fight, but with the WBO interim title on the line, the winner will have tremendous opportunities in a loaded weight class,” Arum said in a statement.
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