A deal for Oscar Valdez vs Scott Quigg is nearing completion. Valdez, the WBO featherweight champion, would meet Quigg at the StubHub Center in Carson on March 10 if terms can be agreed and the fight confirmed.

Eddie Hearn, Quigg’s promoter, said, “I see the news breaking. Correct – we are close to finalising a deal for Scott Quigg to face Oscar Valdez for the world title. Hopefully get it over the line, will be an unbelievable fight.”

Valdez is an unbeaten 23-0 (19) and won the WBO featherweight belt in 2016, which he has defended three times since. But Quigg is the kind of higher profile challenger Valdez craves.

Oscar Valdez vs Scott Quigg

Quigg lost his super-bantamweight title to Carl Frampton in 2016. Since then he has moved up to featherweight and linked up with trainer Freddie Roach but ticked over against uninspiring opposition. This opportunity restores him to world level and, with both bringing power and exciting styles, should deliver a thrilling clash.

Featherweight will be a dynamic division in 2018. Frampton is set to box Nonito Donaire in April, while Lee Selby will defend his IBF featherweight title against Josh Warrington. The winner of the latter contest is expected to fight the Frampton-Donaire victim before the year is out.