Emanuel Navarrete must go past Oscar Valdez for vacant WBO lightweight world title.
Emanuel Navarrete and Oscar Valdez are two of this generation’s most accomplished Mexican warriors, and they enter their December 7 rematch at Footprint Center in Phoenix with something to prove.
WBO junior lightweight world champion Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) returns to defend his crown following May’s decision defeat to Denys Berinchyk for the vacant WBO lightweight world title. While he fell short in his mission to become a four-weight world champion, Navarrete intends to re-assert his place atop the division hierarchy.
Former two-weight champion Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs) hopes to become a two-time junior lightweight king and avenge his August 2023 decision loss to Navarrete. That evening, Navarrete prevailed by unanimous decision in a toe-to-toe battle that left Valdez bruised and bloodied.
Navarrete trained in the mountains of Mexico, while Valdez spent more than two months in San Diego. This is what they had to say ahead of the sequel.
Emanuel Navarrete
“There is a lot of pride at stake, especially in a Mexico vs. Mexico battle. When you have that dynamic, there’s always going to be pride. Valdez and I know that adds more significance to this fight.”
“I believe it will be an even better fight because we are familiar with one another. That will lead to more exchanges and better action for the fans.”
“I’m working hard because I know I must push Valdez to his limits. The second half of the fight will be less about technique and more about physical training and who is the best prepared to withstand the punches.”
“I know what happened against Berinchyk. Nothing was controversial about it, and I want to return to lightweight one day. When I fight at lightweight again, I will be much better than I was against Berinchyk.”
Oscar Valdez
“I have a few more battles left in me. I feel great. I showed I had a lot left in my last fight when I beat Liam Wilson. I was emotional because I knew beating Wilson would punch my ticket to an even bigger fight. I am excited to be sharing the ring with a warrior like ‘Vaquero’ again and to have the opportunity to win the WBO junior lightweight championship.”
“I’m at the point of my career where I appreciate everything and enjoy every moment, whether running, sparring, or just having a coffee. I enjoy the fights and am grateful for everything in life.”
“I’m back in the gym training for a second opportunity at Navarrete, looking at what we did wrong, watching film, and working hard to correct mistakes. Not everyone gets a second chance. I will make the most of it. I’m not wasting days.”
“I know what to expect from Navarrete. I know what to train for. I’ve trained hard and smart for this fight. In the first fight, I made several mistakes. My biggest mistake was trying to knock out my opponent. I always want to give the fans what they pay for, but I focused on the knockout instead of sticking to my game plan. I’m working smarter, fighting smarter, and bringing in sparring partners that better imitate his style.”
“The boxing fans in Arizona are incredibly supportive. Some of the most memorable nights of my career have taken place there, and I look forward to giving the fans in Phoenix an action-packed battle.”
Navarrete-Valdez II and the featherweight rematch between WBO champion Rafael Espinoza and Cuban star Robeisy Ramirez will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT. Sky Sports will have coverage in the U.K. and Ireland.
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