Oscar Valdez looks mediocre in win against Robson Conceicao

Oscar Valdez was tested early against Robson Conceicao in a close fight, but he pulled out the unanimous decision in a less than stellar performance. 

Oscar Valdez faced controversy headed into his Sept. 10 title defense against Robson Conceicao, and there was a bit at the end of the fight as well. Regardless, Valdez got the victory, but his reputation didn’t gain any points.

Before the fight, Valdez (30-0, 23 KOs) tested positive for a banned substance called phentermine but was allowed to defend his title against Conceicao. VADA considered phentermine a banned substance period, but WADA, who had the final call, only considers it a banned substance if used within 24 hours of the fight.

The Association of Boxing Commissions  (ABC) agreed with the local Tuscon, AZ boxing commission who adheres to WADA rules, and the WBC followed suit.

With the weight of criticism on his back, Valdez came out flat against Conceicao.

Conceicao frustrated and out-boxed Valdez for the first five rounds. He was faster and more skilled, but the temp changed in round 6.

Oscar Valdez looked mortal against Robson Conceicao but retained his WBC super featherweight title

Valdez started to land regularly, but his face took a lot of damage. Conceicao (16-1, 8 KOs) was a 2016 Olympic gold medalist and displayed those skills, but he started showboating too early. He jeered and clowned Valdez when he should have continued to work.

Conceicao started to regain some momentum in round 9 but was deducted a point for tapping Valdez on the back of his head during the break. He received no warning, and the foul didn’t look egregious. It was a bad call by the referee, which further marred the result.

The fight went the distance, and the judges returned scores 117-110 and two of 115-112 for Valdez, who retained his WBC super featherweight title. It was a close fight, but 117-110 was a horrendous score and shows favoritism towards Valdez, who was gifted the chance to fight by the ABC and WBC.

Valdez looked vulnerable. His face was a bruised mess, and he had a gash under his left eye. Conceicao messed him up, but he still won the fight. According to CompuBox, Conceicao out-landed Valdez 141 punches to 83.

Valdez is fortunate to walk away with a win and his title. In reality, he’s lucky he wasn’t stripped of his title and allowed to fight.