Oscar Valdez dumps trainer, hires Eddy Reynoso

WBO featherweight titleholder Oscar Valdez isn’t expected to return to action until either late this year or sometime next year as he recovers from a broken jaw, but he’ll have a new face in his corner when he does. Valdez, 27, has just parted ways with trainer Manny Robles in favor of Eddy Reynoso, noted for his work with Canelo Alvarez.

“I want to thank Manny Robles and his whole team for everything they have done for me over the last few years, but like everything in life, changes are sometimes needed to move forward, Valdez said. “I’m very grateful to them for their friendship and all they have taught me.”

Valdez is a fan friendly fighter but he’s taken some criticism for being almost too fan friendly — getting into one brutal battle after another which has taken a physical toll (the jaw being the latest). Therefore Valdez and his manager are hoping that Reynoso can step in and help Valdez tighten up a leaky defense in order to make the most of his career.

Whether or not Reynoso will have any noticeable impact on Valdez’s approach in the ring remains to be seen, but if Reynoso is to mold Valdez into anything different than he currently is, it’s probably now or never.