EMANUEL Navarrete believes there will be more to his title defense against Oscar Valdez than just his WBO super-stretch. The pair clash at the Footprint Arena in Arizona on Saturday night (Dec. 7) in an intriguing ESPN doubleheader where Ricardo Espinoza defends his WBO featherweight title against the man who robbed him, Robeisi Ramirez.
Like Espinoza-Ramirez, Navarrete-Valdez is a rematch. They already clashed in August 2023, where Navarrete defeated Valdez by scores of 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109. The fight was closer and more competitive than the last two totals suggest. It was a fierce, passionate battle in which Navarrete used his power and guile to advance down the stretch. The nationalistic rivalry means he is taking nothing for granted in the second leg.
“There’s a lot of pride at stake, especially in a Mexico vs. Mexico fight.” When you have that dynamic, there will always be pride. “Valdez and I know that adds more importance to this fight,” said Navarrete, 38-2-1 (31 KOs).
Emmanuel Navarrete vs. Oscar Valdez I
Navarrete still holds the 130-pound belt despite an ill-fated trip north that ended in defeat when he attempted to wrestle the WBO lightweight title from Denis Berinchik. The mission to become king of the four divisions has failed, and Emmanuel now slides back to pick up his old belt and resume life in the junior lightweight division.
Navarrete added: “I know what happened against Berinchik. There was nothing controversial about it, and I want to go back to lightweight one day. When I fight at lightweight again, I will be much better than I was against Berinchik.
“I believe it will be an even better fight because we know each other.” It will lead to more exchanges and better action for the fans.”
“I’m working hard because I know I have to push Valdez to his limits.” The second half of the fight will be less about technique and more about physical training and who is best prepared to take the punches.”