By Jake Donovan

Contrary to popular belief, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) still has final say in title fights involving Top Rank boxers, not the other way around.

A suggested matchup between reigning WBO featherweight titlist Oscar Valdez and California’s Erick Ituarte will not come with the sanctioning body’s blessings, if in fact it ultimately materializes.

The bout is currently targeted for a June 8 ESPN+ telecast live from Reno, Nevada, but could have to change course if the intention is to have a title fight atop the show.

“The WBO Championship Committee won’t sanction Valdez vs. Ituarte, for the vacant title,” Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, president of the WBO confirmed on Tuesday. “Ituarte is not ranked (by the WBO).”

The bout has never been officially announced, despite the targeted show only being one month away.

Valdez (25-0, 20KOs) has reigned as the WBO 126-pound titlist since a 2nd round knockout of Matias Rueda in their July 2016 vacant title fight. Five defenses have followed, including a one-sided 7th round knockout of previously unbeaten Carmine Tommasone this past February in Frisco, Texas.

The win marked Valdez’s first fight in 10 months, having sat out most of 2018 after suffering a fractured jaw in a points win over former 122-pound titlist Scott Quigg in their March 2017 slugfest. That contest came on the heels of his 12-round thriller with previously unbeaten Genesis Servania just six months prior, with the amount punishment absorbed in both fights—coupled with the sustained injury—prompting a much-needed break

A one-sided blitzing of Tommassone earlier this year marked Valdez’s first fight with new trainer Eddy Reynoso, who remains best known for his work with World middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. The idea following February’s win was to return to the ring relatively quickly to help make up for lost time, which prompted a stay-busy level opponent.

Ituarte (21-1-1, 3KOs) fits the bill, although the Mexico-born featherweight comes in tougher than advertisted.

For the moment, he’s just not tough enough for the WBO to order its blessing, although such matters often have a way of working themselves out.

The sanctioning body was initially resistant to declaring Jamel Herring an official challenger for 130-pound titlist Masayuki Ito. The bout’s announcement for its targeted May 25 date was delayed by more than three months as Herring hadn’t yet found his way to the WBO Top 15.

That moment finally arrived in March, although it would be another month before the fighting Marine’s first title fight was formally announced. He will challenge Ito on May 25 in Kissimmee, Florida, with ESPN to televise the event.

Not quite as much wiggle room momentarily exists for Ituarte, who has won 14 straight contests while surviving the tough California fight circuit provided by Thompson Boxing. The 24-year old is coming off a 10-round virtual shutout of Jose Estrella this past April, his first bout since a thrilling eight-round win over Carlos Carlson last May.

Apparently, he will have to do better absent a shakeup in the next set of WBO rankings. The only glaring loophole is that its top rated featherweight contender, Christopher Diaz is coming off of a lopsided loss to Shakur Stevenson this past April in New York City. A complete exit from the rankings seems farfetched, though, which means Valdez and Top Rank will either have to search for a new June 8 foe or settle for a non-title fight.

The ESPN+ card is also due to feature the Top Rank debut of veteran light heavyweight contender Sullivan Barrera, who will face hard-hitting fringe contender Michael Seals. 

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox