Oscar Valdez stops Hiroshige Osawa in 7th round

LAS VEGAS — The WBO featherweight title match went according to script Saturday night.

Oscar Valdez, the undefeated, two-time Mexican Olympian, dominated Japanese challenger Hiroshige Osawa, stopping him with a flurry against the ropes in the seventh round.

Referee Vic Drakulich stepped  in and waved it off at 1:50 of the round, and Valdez retained his title in his first defense to remain unbeaten. He is now 21-0 with 19 KOs.

"A very tough fight, probably the toughest opponent I face so far in career," Valdez said.

Valdez, from Nogales, Mexico, who spent much of his formative school years in Tucson, had little trouble with Osawa (30-4-4), dropping him in the fourth round off a left hook.

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Valdez landed 191 punches to just 35 by the outclassed Osawa, including 129 power punches to his opponent’s 18, according to CompuBox statistics.

"Osawa took some big shots," Valdez said, "and I need it take my time and not get careless."

Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said Valdez’s next title defense could happen in Tucson in early 2017.

"I know it was a good win, but I still have a lot learn. I am going to get better... Happy to give Mexico another great win and with my title defense," Valdez said.