Oscar Valdez injured, out of Navarrete vacant title fight

Oscar Valdez has suffered another injury that has forced him to delay his much-anticipated return to the ring.

This time, Valdez sustained his latest injury while training. Per BoxingScene.com, Valdez pulled out of his upcoming fight against Emanuel Navarrete for the vacant WBO 130-pound title following an evaluation from a doctor.

Mexico's Valdez (30-1, 23 KOs), a former two-division titlist at featherweight and junior lightweight, also pulled out of a fight last fall after suffering an undisclosed, non-boxing injury that prevented him from training. The 31-year-old was slated to face Navarrete on February 3 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Navarrete (36-1, 30 KOs), a former 126-pound and current 130-pound world titleholder, is expected to face a replacement opponent for the ESPN-televised main event.

The winner of that contest would likely face Valdez for the WBO 130-pound crown. Valdez would have an opportunity to become a two-time junior lightweight world champion. He is coming off his first career loss at the hands of Shakur Stevenson, who dominated him in their two-belt world title unification on April 30 in Las Vegas.

Australia’s Liam Wilson (11-1, 7 KOs), who is the WBO No. 3-ranked contender at 130-pounds, will likely become Navarrete’s new opponent. Valdez is ranked No. 2.