Queensland boxer Liam Wilson is vowing to get his world title ambitions back on track by returning to Arizona to take on Mexican veteran Oscar Valdez.
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The pair will square off in a super-featherweight world title eliminator in Glendale, Arizona, on March 29 (local time) with the fight the night before fellow Aussie Tim Tszyu faces two-time world champion Keith "One Time" Thurman in Las Vegas.
Wilson suffered a controversial loss to three-division Mexican superstar Emanuel Navarrete at the same venue last February.
The 27-year-old Australian floored his rival in the fourth round of their vacant WBO junior lightweight title fight before being stopped in the ninth.
Valdez (31-2, 23KOs) also suffered a points loss against Navarrete at Desert Diamond Arena in Arizona last August.
Wilson has since registered two decision wins in Sydney - over Jackson Jon England and previously undefeated Argentine Carlos Maria Alanis - and says he is seeking redemption back in the desert.
"Valdez is exactly the fight I wanted and deserve after what I went through against Navarrete," said Wilson, whose record is 13-2, 7KOs.
"The history books show that he beat both of us last year, but this time around we won't need the officials.
"Valdez is a good fighter, a tough man, but after what I've been through already and what I plan on bringing, I believe he's going to regret taking this fight."
Valdez, 33, is a two-division world champion with Arizona practically his home turf with this his seventh appearance in the Grand Canyon State.
He said Wilson was a stepping stone to another world title shot.
"This fight against Liam Wilson means everything to me," Valdez said.
"It's every boxer's dream to become a world champion, so I have to get past this challenge so I can fight for a world title again.
"I respect Liam Wilson, but in the ring, I'm going to do everything possible to walk away victorious."
Australian Associated Press
