By Norm Frauenheim–
Harm’s way is often the only way for Oscar Valdez. He has survived there. Prevailed there. Instinct has taken him there in a risky path toward danger and away from a safer route.
Safe, of course, is a relative term. In the ring, there’s no refuge. There’s no real escape, but there is elusiveness in tactics taught by wise trainers and booed by the blood-lust demographic in the boxing crowd.
Therein, rests the dilemma.
And the drama.
Both are there for Valdez (28-0, 22 KOs) Saturday night (ESPN 10pm ET/7pm PT) against a junior-lightweight with a presence that puts a defining face onto harm’s way. A feared face. Miguel Berchelt has size, power, a five-and-a-half-inch advantage in reach and stoppages in each of his last six fights.