Bradley vs Vargas results: Oscar Valdez wins HBO debut

Mexican featherweight prospect Oscar Valdez didn't get the stoppage tonight, but it wasn't for lack of trying. Valdez improved to 16-0 (14 KO) with a near-shutout win over veteran Ruben Tamayo, winning on scores of 98-90, 98-90, and 99-90. BLH had it 98-90 for Valdez.

Valdez was knocked down in round one, though it was a controversial knockdown at best, as the feet of the fighters tangled up when Tamayo landed a shot. Replays showed it to be a trip, but scoring that as a 10-8 or 10-9 Tamayo round (Valdez otherwise dominated), it was the only round that the gatekeeper won in the fight. Tamayo (25-6-4, 17 KO) was later docked a point for repeated low blows.

It may not have been a star-making fight for the 24-year-old Valdez, but it was a solid premium cable debut for him, and showed a bit of what he can do. He looked a good ways off from serious contention at 126 or 130, but with a lot to like, too.

Statistically, Valdez totally dominated, landing 236 8of 557 (42%) of his punches, compared to a mere 82 of 500 (16%) for Tamayo.

What did you think of Valdez tonight?