Queensland boxer Liam Wilson is vowing to get his world title ambitions back on track by returning to Arizona to take on Mexican veteran Oscar Valdez.
The pair will square off in a super-featherweight world title eliminator in Glendale, Arizona, on March 29 (local time) with the fight the night before fellow Aussie Tim Tszyu faces two-time world champion Keith "One Time" Thurman in Las Vegas.
Wilson suffered a controversial loss to three-division Mexican superstar Emanuel Navarrete at the same venue last February.
The 27-year-old Australian floored his rival in the fourth round of their vacant WBO junior lightweight title fight before being stopped in the ninth.
Valdez (31-2, 23KOs) also suffered a points loss against Navarrete at Desert Diamond Arena in Arizona last August.
Wilson has since registered two decision wins in Sydney - over Jackson Jon England and previously undefeated Argentine Carlos Maria Alanis - and says he is seeking redemption back in the desert.
"Valdez is exactly the fight I wanted and deserve after what I went through against Navarrete," said Wilson, whose record is 13-2, 7KOs.
"The history books show that he beat both of us last year, but this time around we won't need the officials.
"Valdez is a good fighter, a tough man, but after what I've been through already and what I plan on bringing, I believe he's going to regret taking this fight."
Valdez, 33, is a two-division world champion with Arizona practically his home turf with this his seventh appearance in the Grand Canyon State.
He said Wilson was a stepping stone to another world title shot.
"This fight against Liam Wilson means everything to me," Valdez said.
"It's every boxer's dream to become a world champion, so I have to get past this challenge so I can fight for a world title again.
"I respect Liam Wilson, but in the ring, I'm going to do everything possible to walk away victorious."
