Oscar Valdez thoroughly dominated his fight against Miguel Berchelt and surprised a lot of people on his way to winning the WBC junior lightweight world title on Saturday. But the most surprising moment of all was the devastating knockout punch in Round 10 that sent Berchelt falling to the canvas just moments before the bell signifying the end of the round.
The sports and entertainment world had strong reactions to the moment, as Valdez celebrated winning a world title in a second division and Berchelt was slow to rise to his feet (and ultimately transported to the hospital). Here's what they had to say.
Congrats champ @oscarvaldez56 I respect what you did tonight surprised me.. It's only 1 FIGHT to make now!
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) February 21, 2021
No one told us we were the underdogs! @oscarvaldez56 team Valdez! pic.twitter.com/79dbKkYu6N
— ESPINOZA BOXING 🥊 (@EspinozaBoxing) February 21, 2021
Valdez' boxing ability got him the lead, but his character got him the knockout; he never gave into the momentum when Berchelt started to come on and impose his size. KO of the year so far. Hope Berchelt is ok.
— Max Kellerman (@maxkellerman) February 21, 2021
.@Canelo 📲 @oscarvaldez56
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) February 21, 2021
When one wins, the whole stable wins. 🇲🇽🤝 pic.twitter.com/uUJL108NQ6
Oscar Valdez outlanded Miguel Berchelt 103-64 on power punches, according to @CompuBox.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 21, 2021
Valdez improves to 29-0 and is the new WBC Junior Lightweight Champion https://t.co/18XCYpUJZP
Oscar Valdez's knockout punch on Miguel Berchelt was one of the best I've ever seen, making him the new world champion!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 21, 2021
Congrats on your victory @oscarvaldez56. Well deserve. @trboxing #BercheltValdez
— Jamel Herring (@JamelHerring) February 21, 2021
Berchelt looks done! Shot! Omg! Berchelt got dropped again!!!! What!!! It's over! And the new...!!!@oscarvaldez56 is the freaking man tonight! Beautiful show. @espn @trboxing @ESPNRingside #BercheltValdez
— Rosie Perez (@rosieperezbklyn) February 21, 2021
Berchelt's corner will regret letting it get to that KO in the future. He took more devastating headshots than I've seen in years. Berchelt is a consummate warrior, but that kind of courage can destroy careers and lives. We need to protect these gladiators from themselves.#boxing https://t.co/M49sKu68JW
— Lou DiBella (@loudibella) February 21, 2021
Ppl think the judging is the worse part of boxing but for me it's this!! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
— ShowtimeShawn Porter (@ShowtimeShawnP) February 21, 2021
Oscar Valdez & Ryan Garcia have exponentially improved leaving ex-trainers for Eddie Reynoso. 📈🥊
— Sergio Mora (@TheLatinSnake_) February 21, 2021
Valdez was impressive tonight. Incredible left hook. #Boxing pic.twitter.com/EI8j50ukoN
— Jerry Hairston, Jr. (@TheRealJHair) February 21, 2021
They are both tough but Valdez smarter, makes the difference. Sweet Science. #BercheltValdez #BercheltVSValdez
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) February 21, 2021
Wow incredible fight and KONfrom this Valdéz Kid!
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) February 21, 2021
Very impressive! #BercheltValdez
103 power punches absorbed 🤯#BercheltValdez
— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) February 21, 2021