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WBO featherweight titleholder Oscar Valdez has had the wires removed from his jaw after surgery, and promoter Bob Arum says he could return either late this year, or in early 2019.
“The wires are out, he’s eating solid food now, feeling a lot better and he’s under medical supervision. They’ll let us know when he’s good enough to train and spar again but I don’t anticipate he’ll fight again before November or December, and maybe not until early next year.”
Valdez (24-0, 19 KO) made the fourth defense of his WBO belt on March 10 in Carson, California, beating Scott Quigg (who missed weight) over 12 rounds in a brutal battle. The 27-year-old titleholder and former Mexican Olympian has become one of the most exciting action fighters in the sport over his pro career, and his return will be a welcome one for fight fans, whenever it comes.
Hopefully, this injury won’t have long-term effects for him. For now, we just wait for him to get back in the ring.