Despite an incredibly brave effort from Scott Quigg, Oscar Valdez was just too much for him. The judges’ scorecards of 117-111, 117-111, 118-110 don’t really tell the story of a highly competitive fight despite the wide margins on the cards.
Quigg cited a fractured foot 4 weeks ago which left him unable to do roadwork, as the reason for his failure to make the weight. The Bury fighter is well known for his dedication to the game and his obsession with training, so personally, I think we should believe him.
Weight issues aside Valdez in remaining unbeaten proved what a quality operator he is. From the opening round, Valdez looked the classier fighter, his superior hand speed proving the difference in the close quarter exchanges.
Quigg never stopped coming forward and despite Valdez having the better of the majority of the rounds, it was never ever easy for him.
I thought Valdez looked really good in the opening two rounds, but Quigg improved from that point, and there were just glimpses that Quigg’s relentless pressure could break his man. That thought looked more likely in the 5th when Quigg hurt his man, several left hooks started it and one big right hand from Quigg did some real damage.
Valdez used his feet more from the 6th and Quigg never quite repeated his success in the 5th. Quigg never stopped trying but while every round was hard fought, Valdez had the edge in most of them.
116-112 wasn’t too far off the mark for me, but Quigg put in so much and gave his all but got a little reward for his efforts, Valdez was just the better of the two.
Valdez looks a seriously good fighter and a clash with Leo Santa Cruz or Carl Frampton would be something very special indeed.
Quigg still has plenty left and with an excellent domestic scene at featherweight, that might be where he goes next.
Valdez improves to 24-0, Quigg drops to 34-2-2.
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