GLENDALE, Ariz. – Featherweight champion Oscar Valdez Jr., is expected to undergo a physical exam next week to determine if his jaw is strong enough for a comeback fight in December or January, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said Thursday.
Valdez, the World Boxing Organization’s 126-pound champion, suffered a fracture to the jaw in a bloody decision over Scott Quigg on March 10 in the rain at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
“We’re very optimistic,’’ Arum said after a news conference for Saturday night’s ESP-televised card featuring WBO lightweight champion Ray Beltran-versus-Jose Pedraza at Gila River Arena. “We just want to make sure that Oscar is at 100 percent.’’
Valdez (24-0, 19 KOs), a two-time Mexico Olympian who went to school in Tucson, underwent surgery for the fracture he sustained midway through the brutal 12-round fight.
Ten days ago, Valdez announced that he was leaving trainer Manny Robles for Eddy Reynoso, who trains Canelo Alvarez.
If Valdez is cleared to fight in December or January, he is expected to test the jaw a tune-up. If the jaw holds up, Arum then hopes to have him fight Carl Frampton of Belfast later next year.
