“It would be a real shame” – Carl Frampton hopes Oscar Valdez will delay weight change

Carl Frampton [26(15)-2(0)] has called for Oscar Valdez to delay his move up in weight to engage in a guaranteed Fight of the Year contender this winter.

The WBO champion looks to be coming to an end of his time at featherweight but Frampton hopes that he will remain at 126lbs for one more contest.

Valdez [26(20)-0] defended his title for a sixth time at the weekend in Reno, defeating the unheralded Jason Sanchez and, while he did drop his opponent, the Mexican looked somewhat lethargic.

Having been around the weight for over a decade, a move four pounds north to super featherweight has been suggested – although Valdez has stated that he would like to face Frampton first, and ‘The Jackal’ hopes the brown beltholder will stay true to his word.

Writing in his weekly column for the Sunday Life Frampton mused how “it would be a real shame if he did [move up] because I believe we can give the fans a night to remember.”

“The good news was that despite suggesting he would move up to super featherweight, at some point, he did declare that I was the one he wanted to face next if he stays at featherweight.”

It’s a no-brainer for Frampton who will look to bounce back from his loss to IBF champion Josh Warrington last December with a comeback contest in America on August 10th.

This fight, in New York or Philadelphia, will be Frampton’s first since linking up with Top Rank – a move which sees him become a promotional stablemate of Valdez.

The 32-year-old wants an in-house battle this year and while Shakur Stevenson has suggested a vacant title fight should Valdez move, it is the Mexican Frampton wants.

The Ulsterman explained how “we’re both promoted by Top Rank, Bob Arum’s company, and he has openly said that it’s the fight he wants to make before the end of the year.”

“It’s a fight I would love and would be a candidate for fight of the year without a doubt. He can move up to super featherweight after that.”

“It’s over to me now to get my business done in August then hopefully Arum can get him to sign on the dotted line.”