A Triumphant Return to Nogales
For the first time in more than a decade, former two-division world champion Óscar Valdez returned to fight on Mexican soil, and the homecoming did not disappoint. On Saturday night, September 6, 2025, the 34-year-old contender thrilled fans at the Domo Binacional in Nogales, Sonora, by defeating Texas’ Ricky Medina via unanimous decision (97-93, 100-90, 98-92). Óscar Valdez Triumphs in Nogales Homecoming.
Medina, just 24 years old, pushed Valdez to the ropes and absorbed heavy shots, proving his resilience. Despite being outgunned, he showed why he has never been stopped as a professional.
Valdez Fights Through Injury
Valdez (33-3, 24 KOs) started strong but truly found his rhythm in the middle rounds, unleashing combinations to both the head and body. By the championship rounds, the two-time Olympian pressed forward with trademark aggression, much to the delight of the hometown crowd.
After the fight, Valdez revealed that he injured his shoulder in the opening round, which limited his offense. “Today wasn’t my best show, but I promise to give Nogales a great fight next time,” he said. “I want to become a world champion again. That is my dream.”
Medina (16-4, 9 KOs) may not have left with the win, but he earned respect by enduring Valdez’s assault without faltering.
Undercard Action in Nogales
The night also featured explosive bouts across the undercard.
Junior Featherweight: Israel Ramírez (23-2, 12 KOs) NC 3 José Amaro (12-0-1, 4 KOs). Stopped at 1:18 due to a cut over Ramírez’s left eyebrow caused by an accidental headbutt.
Junior Featherweight: Ángel Cruz (18-0, 13 KOs) TKO 3 Carlos Vargas (18-3, 13 KOs). The bout was stopped at 1:52.
Junior Junior Welterweight: Erick Fernando Campos (7-1, 2 KOs) TKO 5 Omar García (3-4-2). The bout was stopped at 2:35.
Junior Lightweight: Luis Corona (6-0-1, 4 KOs) MD 6 Yohan Orduño (3-1, 3 KOs). Scores: 58-56 twice and 57-57.
Valdez’s win marks a successful homecoming and a clear message: he’s not done chasing world glory.
Watch “Oscar Valdez Earns A Unanimous Decision At Home In Mexico!” | FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS
