Junior lightweight Dominic Valle has always regarded discipline and hard work as key ingredients to his success. At 5-foot-11, he shrinks down to the 130lbs limit, but now that he has become a father, his sense of responsibility has heightened. 

Valle faces Brandon Valdes on Saturday at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida, on ProBox TV.    

Valle, 10-0 (7 KOs), credits fatherhood for his transition into becoming a top-tier prospect. Valle has spent the developmental portion of his career getting built up on ProBox TV cards as he looks to start his ascent in the division. 

“It just taught me responsibility,” Valle told BoxingScene of fatherhood. “I always had discipline within myself. Transferring that discipline into being a father, while chasing my goals, has brought a whole new sense of responsibility.”

Valle, a 24-year-old who trains in Lutz, Florida, is coached by Marc Farrait, like his peers Najee Lopez, Darrelle Valsaint, and Saturday’s main eventer, Erickson Lubin. One of Valle’s best attributes has been cutting down to a lower weight class despite his big frame.

“Discipline and working hard are some of the key traits in my game,” Valle added. “It is what defines the type of fighter I am.”

“Dominic has always been disciplined. He is the most disciplined fighter I work with,” Farrait told BoxingScene. “He had the same discipline before he got married and became a dad. He makes weight easy. He went from being focused to laser-focused. He leaves no stone unturned, and having his son just added to his motivation. He is a businessman. He comes in and does his work.”

Valle, who will be on the biggest card of his career, will be fighting an hour away from his hometown. Yet it is the chance to move up the rankings, rather than regional glory, that excites him as he prepares for Valdes, 15-5 (7 KOs). 

Valdes is 26 years old and originally from Colombia. Now living in Rosemead, California, he is entering on a two-fight losing streak. 

“For me, it is getting in position for a belt,” Valle said. “That is the goal in the sport. Being in front of my hometown fans is great, but at the end of the day, I want to make a name for myself in the sport.”