WBC Places its World Champion, Oscar Valdez, on Conditional Probation For 12 Months
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
Mexico City, Mexico (September 4th, 2021)– In a compromise, the World Boxing Council has placed WBC World Super Featherweight champion on conditional probation for 12 months, with terms and conditions which must be complied with. The WBC recognized the distinguished amateur and professional career of Valdez, and his commitment to ongoing testing in the WBC Clean Boxing program, as part of the justification of its decision. Valdez had failed two tests administered by the Volunteer Anti-Doping Association (VADA), sample “A” and sample “B”, after his titular winning knockout victory over defending champion Miguel Berchelt in the tenth round in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand on February 20, 2021.
WBC World Super Featherweight champion Valdez, 29-0, 23 knockouts, Sonora, Mexico, will defend his title for the first time on September 10, 2021 against Robson Conceicao, 16-0, eight knockouts, Salvador, Brazil, the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympic Games Lightweight Gold medalist, in the co-main event at Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Arizona, on the USA ESPN Friday night televised card.
Statement of the World Boxing Council on the Oscar Valdez matter, September 2, 2021
The WBC panel recommendation to the WBC, which the WBC Board of Governors authorized and adopted, agreed to the following comprise regarding Valdez’ career:
1. The WBC will officially sanction the Valdez versus Conceicao WBC World Super Featherweight Title bout, taking place as originally scheduled, Friday, September 10, 2021
2. The WBC will donate the sanction fees it will receive from the Valdez bout into the WBC clean boxing program, and into the WBC Jose Sulaiman Boxers Fund
3. The WBC will design and implement several mandatory programs at Champion Valdez sole cost including:
a. Taking a substantial number of random anti-doping tests in the next six months as determined by the WBC-CBP
b. Enrollment, active participation, and strict compliance with a weight management program including nutrition and hydration components designed by the WBC Nutrition Committee [Champion Valdez and his team must receive completed certification of this program]
c. Once he completes the above programs, Champion Valdez shall serve as a WBC Ambassador, whereupon he shall make a minimum of six personal appearances to promote and educate attendants on principles consistent with clean boxing, weight management proper practices and with the WBC social responsibility values
4. The WBC will place Champion Valdez on probationary status for 12 months. Any additional failure or adverse analytical finding during the probationary period will result in an indefinite suspension from all WBC activity, immediate suspension of recognition of any WBC privilege (championship or status) until the matter is resolved; and being listed as “Not Available” in WBC World ratings.
Clean Boxing is one of the bedrocks of the WBC. The WBC will maintain its leadership in the sport by investing resources and efforts in making sure that boxing is clean and that boxers are educated and protected, while justice prevails at all times.
The WBC wishes to acknowledge and thank all those who participated in this complex process, including: the Pascua Yaqui Athletic Commission and its advisors: the Association of Boxing Commissions; Top Rank, Incorporated Promotions; Team Valdez; and the experts and consultants who diligently worked for the WBC to resolve the Valdez case.
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