Mexican world featherweight champion Oscar Valdez admits challenger Genesis Servania’s Filipino roots could pose problems when he meets him today in a defense of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) title in Tucson, Arizona.
“He (Servania) is ranked #4 in the WBO and he has that typical Filipino style – he comes from different angles and it’s always going to be a hard fight. It’s not going to be easy for me,” said the undefeated Valdez, who is risking the WBO 126-lb crown for the third time.
Servania, now based in Kanazawa, Japan, is fighting for the world title for the first time and is determined to make heads turn in his US debut.
But Valdez (22-0 with 19 KOs) is fully aware of what lies down the road and swears the showdown with Servania (29-0 with 12 KOs) “isn’t going to be a walk in the park.”
“I know I have to be at my best to come out victorious that night and that’s what I’m planning to do.”
Servania had an extensive amateur career and blossomed into a world beater when he fought under the banner of the ALA Boxing Club of Cebu City.
While Servania’s amateur background is quite solid, Valdez’s is lightyears ahead as he boasts of a bronze in the 2009 world championships and a gold in the 208 world youth championships.
During yesterday’s official weighin, Valdez came in at 125.8 lbs. Servania tipped in at 125.4 lbs.
Bob Arum’s Top Rank Inc. promotes Valdez and the Hall of Fame promoter is lining up a bevy of big fights for his fair-haired boy.
That is, if Valdez takes good care of business.
Servania insists he has what it takes to rain on Valdez’s parade.
