Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs) is a two-time Mexican Olympian who captured the WBO featherweight title in 2016 by knocking out Matias Rueda. In February of 2021, and after six successful defenses of his title, Valdez moved up to the junior lightweight division, to challenge Miguel Berchelt who was considered at the time one of the top fighters in the sport. In spectacular fashion, Valdez knocked out Berchelt, thus earning him the WBC world championship title. On September 10, 2021 Valdez successfully retained his championship belt in a competitive fight against Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceição. In a highly anticipated and unification belt showdown, Valdez suffered his first pro loss in a valiant effort against Shakur Stevenson in April 2022. The fighting pride of Nogales bounced back with a unanimous decision win, in a rematch against Adam Lopez in May 2023. In a warrior type match up, Valdez suffered a decision loss against world champion Emanuel Navarrete last August. Known for his resilient mentality, Valdez came back stronger by winning the interim WBO super featherweight title versus Australian puncher Liam Wilson, which took place on March 29 at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, in front of a pact audience that came out to support Valdez.