Press Conference Notes: Oscar Valdez motivated for Saturday’s homecoming against Ricky Medina
Valdez-Medina and select undercard fights will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN Deportes at 10pm ET/7pm PT
Former two-weight king Oscar Valdez is back where it all began.
The 34-year-old makes his homecoming this Saturday in a 10-round junior lightweight main event against San Antonio native Ricky Medina at Domo Binacional in Nogales, Mexico.
Valdez (32-3, 24 KOs) represented Mexico at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and earned a reputation in the paid ranks as one of the most exciting warriors of his era.
He captured world titles at featherweight and junior lightweight, taking on the likes of Scott Quigg, Miguel Berchelt, and Emanuel Navarrete. After last December’s stoppage loss to Navarrete in their rematch, he begins a new title campaign with his first fight on Mexican soil since December 2013.
The 24-year-old Medina (16-3, 9 KOs) is a seven-year pro whose dossier includes fights with eventual world champion Raymond Ford and top contender Geo Lopez.
Promoted by Zanfer Boxing and Top Rank, tickets are available now via www.xticket.mx.
At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the main event fighters said:
Oscar Valdez
“In boxing, I have had my ups and downs. In the Olympic Games, I tried to get a medal, but it didn’t happen. As a professional, I became a world champion, but then I suffered a loss. I was able to become a champion again, but suffered another loss as well. But that’s life. There will always be ups and downs.
“The main goal for me right now is to become a world champion again. I want to return to Nogales as a world champion, and I want to be your champion. But in order to do that, I have to get through this fight. I’m taking this fight very seriously. I respect Ricky Medina a lot. I have seen him fight. He is strong and young, and he has the same dream that I have. All boxers want to become a world champion, and that’s why we are all here.
“I’m focused on doing what I have to do, which is to win. It’s very important for me to give an example. I need to be an example for the youth out there so that they can see that you can have losses and still be great. Michael Jordan. Kobe Bryant. All athletes have had losses. But that doesn’t take anything away from the fact that they were great legends. In order to give that example, I have to get through this fight.
“I need to make clear in this fight who will go on to fight for a world title. I want to be a world champion again, but in order to do that, I have to win and give the example that in life you can come back from any defeat.”
Ricky Medina
“I’m happy to be here and to have this opportunity. I’m grateful for it.”
“Around this time in 2018, I was making my professional debut. So, to be here now fighting Oscar Valdez is an honor.
“I’m looking forward to putting on a show for the city of Nogales and for everyone back home in San Antonio.”
Fight Card
ESPN Deportes (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)
Oscar Valdez vs. Ricky Medina
10×3 Junior Lightweight
Israel Ramirez vs. Jose Amaro
10×3 Junior Featherweight
Angel Patron vs. Carlos Vargas
8×3 Junior Featherweight
Ricardo Gonzalez vs. Leobardo Quintana
8×3 Junior Lightweight
Luis Corona Parra vs. Yohan Orduño
6×3 Junior Lightweight (SWING BOUT)
