Undefeated super featherweight and former world champion Oscar Valdez (28-0, 22 KO’s) of Tucson, Arizona by way of Nogales, Sonora Mexico stopped Puerto Rico’s Jayson Velez (29-6-1, 21 KOs) in the tenth round, Tuesday night in headlining on ESPN from the “Bubble” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The taller fighter Velez pressed early as Valdez was slightly bleeding. Valdez countered well with big shots as Velez stood busy letting his hands go and using the distance. In the fourth round, Valdez's left eye appeared to be swelling underneath as the Puerto Rican's height appeared to be giving Valdez issues. Stalking using his distance and reach in the fifth, Velez pressed as Valdez attempted to figure out Velez however, Valdez scored a knockdown as a left hook by the Mexican at the end of the round sat Velez down.
Past the half way point in the sixth, the former champion, Valdez threw wide shots as Velez continued to press the action. Valdez and Velez stood busy in the seventh as the Puerto Rican continued to give Valdez issues. In the eighth, Velez stalked with Valdez fighting off the back foot countering with hard shots. Referee Tony Weeks deducted a point from Velez for a low blow in the ninth, Valdez swung for the fences connecting with good shots during an exchange. In the final round, a left hook by Valdez got Velez's attention, moments later a left hook inside dropped Velez as he got up but Valdez finished him off as the referee waived it at 2:23 of the tenth.
Valdez, the WBC number one contender at super featherweight,sets his sights on fellow countryman on Miguel Berchelt.
“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. “Velez was everything I expected, a tough warrior who fought his heart out. I commend him for a great performance and a great fight.”
Super middleweight slugger, Brooklyn's Edgar Berlanga (14-0, 14 KOs) extended his knockout streak scoring a first round knockout over Eric Moon (11-3, 6 KOs) of Georgia. A huge right hand by Berlanga did it as he sent Moon to the canvas sending him to the moon as the fight was immediately waived by referee Kenny Bayless at 1:02 of the first.
Undefeated light flyweight Kim Clavel (12-0, 2 KOs) who won the 2020 Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPYs for her work as an elder care nurse in Montreal during the COVID-19 pandemic, was victorious with unanimous decision over Natalie Gonzalez (6-1, 1 KO). Clavel was dominant boxing well throughout the fight as Gonzalez proved to be tough as Clavel worked her way to the decision win. All three judges scored the fight 80-72.
Junior welterweight Elvis “The Dominican Kid” Rodriguez (8-0-1, 8 KOs) scored a second round knockout over Dennis Okoth (4-4-1, 2 KOs). A solid straight left by Rodriguez landed flush on Okoth's chin, knocking him out at 2:33 of the second.
Former junior featherweight world champion Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe (21-2, 15 KOs) of Ghana returned stopping Chris “The Hitman” Avalos (27-8, 20 KOs) of Lancaster, California in the eighth round in opening the ESPN telecast from the "Bubble". It was a slow start as Dogboe stood behind the jab sticking Avalos. Dogboe was patient throughout the fight boxing well and landing solid punches. Late in the fight in the final round, Dogboe connected Avalos with a hard left hook hurting him in the process and finishing him off at 2:58
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