Valdez vs. Medina in a Crucial Homecoming Bout on September 6 in Nogales, Mexico

The former two-division world champion Oscar Valdez (32-3, 24 KOs) returns on Saturday, September 6, 2025, in a 10-round junior lightweight fight against Ricky Medina (26-7, 10 KOs) at the Domo Binacional in Nogales, Mexico. The event will be broadcast live on ESPN Deportes in the U.S.

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Valdez’s Current Position

Valdez hasn’t fought since last December, when he was stopped in the sixth round by WBO super featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete. It was his second defeat to Navarrete in as many years, both one-sided affairs that highlighted the gap between Valdez and the current elite at 130 pounds.

Promoter Bob Arum has confirmed that Valdez is still seeking a third world title, though he hasn’t specified which champion is being targeted. A trilogy with Navarrete would have little appeal given how decisive the first two fights were. The other belt holders — Lamont Roach Jr, Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez, and O’Shaquie Foster — all represent dangerous options for a 33-year-old fighter with miles on the clock.

An Important Test for Valdez

“Oscar Valdez is a proud warrior, and this is a great opportunity for him to return home and prove he still has what it takes to contend at 130 pounds,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Oscar has been with Top Rank since he turned pro, and we are in his corner as he attempts to become a three-time world champion.”

On paper, Medina isn’t expected to be a major threat. He has dropped two of his last three fights and lacks power at the highest level. Still, with youth on his side, he may be able to test how much Valdez has left. Over the last five fights, Valdez has lost three — two to Navarrete and one to Shakur Stevenson — all lopsided defeats that raised doubts about his longevity.

Can Valdez Recapture Past Success?

Valdez’s most successful run came at 126 pounds, where he first won a world title and established himself as one of Mexico’s brightest stars. A return to that division could provide a more realistic path back into contention. At 130, he hasn’t shown the same sharpness or physical strength needed to compete with the current champions.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Venue: Domo Binacional, Nogales, Mexico
Broadcast: Live on ESPN Deportes (US)
Start Time: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT

Televised Card

• Oscar Valdez vs Ricky Medina — 10 Rounds, Junior Lightweight

• Israel Ramirez vs Jose Amaro — 10 Rounds, Junior Featherweight

• Angel Patron vs Carlos Vargas — 8 Rounds, Junior Featherweight

• Ricardo Gonzalez vs Leobardo Quintana — 8 Rounds, Junior Lightweight

• Luis Corona Parra vs Yohan Orduño — 6 Rounds, Junior Lightweight (Swing Bout)