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“I Hope He Gets Knocked Out” | Tim Bradley Feels Some Type Of Way About Oscar Valdez

Posted byBy Rhett Butler | Published on: CommentsComments (0)

Oscar Valdez’s failed drug test has ruffled many feathers within boxing but none more than Tim Bradley.

During his ESPN commentator gig, the former welterweight world champion got emotional when discussing Valdez (29-0, 23 KOs). Bradley kept it one hundred while discussing Valdez’s September 10th bout against Robson Conceicao during a recent episode of State of Boxing.

“I wish [Conceicao] knocks [Valdez] the hell out,” Bradley said. “That’s what I hope. I hope for a miracle. If this fight goes on, if nothing changes, I hope he gets knocked out, seriously.”

Despite every boxer’s desire to see a fighter come out healthy, Bradley is choosing violence. That is how polarizing Valdez has become.

The Big Reveal

The news of the WBC super featherweight testing positive went viral last week for the banned substance Phentermine. Subsequently, the drug is a prescription-only weight-loss supplement known for suppressing appetite.

The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) prohibited the drug as part of their “zero tolerance” philosophy. The World Anti-Doping Agency don’t ban the drug when used out of competition.

The Top Rank fight is at the Casino Del Sol, in Valdez’s home city of Tucson, Arizona, which the Pascua Yaqui Tribe owns. As such, it was the responsibility of the tribe’s athletic commission to allow the fight. Subsequently, last Thursday, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe commission ruled is Valdez eligible to fight.

Afterward, the World Boxing Council (WBC) followed suit the next day, allowing Valdez’s junior lightweight title to be on the line. The boxing community went livid with the double standards the game seems to employ.

“And I’m a fan of Oscar Valdez,” Bradley continued. “I am. I’m hurt by this. I’m really hurt by this. I went on national TV, on live TV, and said that this guy is now my hero after he defeated Berchelt.

“I’m sick to my stomach about this situation, and I think that whether it’s from the tea or not or whatever it is nobody cares about that. You tested positive. Everybody can think whatever the heck they want to think and I’m thinking that you’re dirty, my friend. That’s just it. I’m done.”

The Biggest Problem

The WBC and the VADA announced the resumption of anti-doping testing activities under the WBC Clean Boxing Program back in May 2020. Back in February 2020, the WBC CBP temporarily suspended testing activities due to the world Covid-19 pandemic.

However, all eligible boxers under the WBC CBP (top 15 in the last WBC world ratings, current WBC Champions, and fighters slated to fight for a WBC Championship) could be subject to random anti-doping testing.

Valdez claimed his innocence via a video on social media.

“I have never used banned substances to improve my performance,” Valdez said in a video posted on his social media. “I am respectful of anti-doping tests since my time as an amateur and now as a professional.”

VADA has designed a sample collection protocol together with its collection arm, Clearidium. In addition, in full compliance with any applicable rules enacted in the jurisdiction where the sample collection will occur in light of the Covid-19 world situation.

The crux of the problem with Valdez is that the fight will go on despite his positive test and the stringent precautions in place.

 

 

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