Emanuel Navarrete KOs Oscar Valdez to retain his WBO junior world title

Emanuel Navarrete KOs Oscar Valdez to retain his WBO junior world title

Emanuel Navarrete proved— once again — why he’s a complex puzzle to solve. “El Vaquero” stoppedOscar Valdez in round six with a left hook to the body, retaining his WBO junior lightweight world title in a highly anticipated rematch Saturday evening at Footprint Center.

Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs) bested Valdez (32-3, 24 KOs) by decision in August 2023, but this time, the fighting pride of Nogales, Mexico, did not see the final bell.

Navarrete knocked down Valdez three times, including at the end of the opening round. While Valdez succeeded in small pockets, the three-division champion landed the harder, more telling blows.

It was a return to form for Navarrete, who bounced back from May’s decision loss to Denys Berinchyk for the WBO lightweight title. He came back to the junior lightweight ranks and used his awkward style and looping punches to once again blunt Valdez’s aggression.

“I had to work hard in each round. I had to push him back. He comes forward. I had to push him back. And that was the right strategy to take down a Valdez who is always strong,” Navarrete said. “I told everyone before that I would have a new left hand. And that’s what has happened. It felt really good. We are now starting a second stage of my career. And I plan to take advantage of it.”

Valdez said, “We tried. That’s the most important thing. We tried to get the victory. Sorry to those who came to see me.

“I wish it was a better result. Maybe next time. No excuses from me. He beat me well.”