Miguel Berchelt and Oscar Valdez were initially set to take on each other on December 12th inside the MGM Grand in what was the last title match for 2020.
However, the plans were shelved as the match did not see the light of the day considering how Berchelt (38-1, 34KOs) tested positive for the dreaded Coronavirus.
It was later replaced by Shakur Stevenson. Now, both the boxers will take on each other on 20th February, next year according to Top Rank President Todd duBoef.
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Mark your calendar 🗓@AlacranBerchelt and @OscarValdez56 will battle for the WBC title in early-2021. pic.twitter.com/InPBJFGmQY
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) December 14, 2020
Both the boxers are coming off incredible wins and have set up an encounter that promises great action. Needless to say, the WBC super-featherweight championship match is bound to get the attention of boxing fans around the world.
Berchelt will look to defend the championship gold after an emphatic eleventh round stoppage win over the then-undefeated Francisco Vargas in January 2017. The 29-year-old Mexican has looked incredible in his last few outings.
The COVID-19 pandemic has halted several match-ups in the past. Berchelt took a non-title bout at lightweight, picking up a spectacular win over fellow boxer Eleazar Valenzuela in the 6th round back in June this year.
Valdez, who boasts an incredible record of 28 straight wins with 22 victories coming by way of stoppage, has looked equally impressive.
He made a statement back in June this year with a 10th round stoppage at the MGM in Las Vegas. Valdez is a former champion who ruled the featherweight division for almost 3 years before vacating the title.
Who gets his hand raised? Miguel Berchelt or Oscar Valdez
Berchelt’s last win was ruled a no-contest after it was revealed that the bout was not sanctioned by the Mexico City Boxing Commission.
While Valdez has looked incredible in his last few outings in the squared circle, Berchelt might be the better man at the night of the fight.
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Needless to say, it’s an unpredictable sport and anything can happen. However, Berchelt’s experience gives him an edge over his opponent.
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However, only time will tell if we will see a new champion or if Berchelt will maintain his undefeated streak. Till then, one would hope that the hugely anticipated match-up takes place on the scheduled date.