Andres Cortes wants all the big names at 130lbs. 

Cortes picked up a fourth-round technical stoppage of Bryan Chevalier last Friday, February 16, on ESPN as the co-main event of the televised card.

Now the 26-year-old fighter from Las Vegas, wants all the big names. Unlike most, though, he doesn’t feel spiteful of being overlooked. Cortes seems to believe this is all a part of the process of being a prizefighter. He is one fight away from a moment that could change his life. 

“I think there is a time for everything, there is a time for you to make that statement, and I think everyone does get their opportunity,” Cortes said. “We have already been seeing [this]. My hardest fights, I always come out and show another level of performance. I think my hardest fights have been my easiest fights.”

Cortes reassured anyone willing to listen that the money is simply secondary at this moment. 

He wants to create a legacy in the sport. 

“In a perfect world I would want the winner of [Oscar] Valdez and Liam Wilson,” Cortes continued. “I don’t know the outcome of that fight. I do think Liam is a good fighter, I’ve seen him fight. I fought on the undercard, and I know he is a good fighter. In a perfect world [I would fight] the winner of that.

“I do chase the hardest fights, and that is the hardest fight as of right now. I think Valdez is going to win and I do think me and him make for a great fight.”

Valdez’s name seems to stand out. It isn’t a grudge. It is the thought of a possible Fight of the Year contender that gets Cortes excited. 

Cortes wants his legendary nights as a fighter and it seems something about the exciting, sometimes unhinged nature of Oscar Valdez’s fighting style, that gets Cortes excited to push for that fight.

“I think a fight with Valdez could be a fight of the year bout,” Cortes added. “I do want those type of fights, the fights that get remembered, the fights that people go back and watch. I do want that – and that is all honesty.

“I am also a big boxing fan and I do understand what people want to see. Also, me being a fighter, I want to give my best performance and perform in a way that everyone wants to see my fights. I am looking forward to those kind of fights.”

Cortes is currently signed by Top Rank Inc., and has a record of 21-0, with 12 KOs.