Berchelt vs. Valdez betting odds, preview, and pick

Good friends, better enemies. Miguel Berchelt and Oscar Valdez will put their friendship aside when they match their fists and wits in a WBC super-featherweight title showdown on Saturday, Feb. 20.

We have the betting odds and pick you need before fight night.

Valdez is unbeaten, but untested

Valdez is undefeated and coming into this fight with a head of steam, but it is hard to believe he’s ready for one of boxing’s most underrated fighters. Berchelt is bigger than him, not to mention he’s a tremendous puncher who looked exceptional during his four-year reign as champion.

There is more fire in Berchelt’s belly, whereas Valdez looked listless in his last fight against the well-traveled Jayson Velez, whom he struggled with until Velez put his chin out and got stopped in the 10th.

Valdez is in for a rude awakening against Berchelt if he hasn't learned from his past mistakes. The best chance Valdez has is to goad Berchelt into a phone booth fight, and to clip him with his big left-hook. That is, of course, if he can take the heat.

Berchelt is more than ready for the challenge

There is a sense that Valdez is taking such a great risk because there’s nothing else left for him. He looks like a fighter who has hit his developmental ceiling. One thing a boxer can’t have going into the biggest fight of his life is an internal crisis. Berchelt is in his prime and thriving as champion, and that won’t change come fight night.

Considering Berchelt’s resume and tool kit, there’s not a lot of hope here for Valdez. He’s stronger, tougher, better conditioned, and in the prime of his career. All Berchelt has to do is wait for Valdez to close the distance between them. Once he does, he’ll start laying down some serious firepower and stalk a retreating Valdez.

Berchelt will retain his title by KO

While this fight looks good on paper, it’s hard to see how this becomes a competitive fight aside from a few early moments. Berchelt is going to overwhelm Valdez, though he might have to take some shots before that happens. The champion will wear down Valdez, and put him down late for an impressive stoppage win.

Boxing pick: Berchelt