The WBO has ordered negotiations between WBO super-featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete and interim titlist Oscar Valdez.
Both fighters are promoted by Bob Arum’s Top Rank, and their respective parties have been given 20 days to reach an agreement to fight. A purse bid, starting at a minimum of $150,000, will follow if they fail to agree terms. According to the sanctioning body, they are attempting to consolidate the championship and to terminate Valdez’s status as interim champion.
Mexico’s Navarrete, 29, recently lost a split decision to Denys Berinchyk in his attempt to become a four-division champion by competing for the vacant WBO lightweight title. Since his win over Valdez in August 2023, Navarrete has also fought to a majority draw with the Brazilian Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceicao.
Valdez, 33 and also of Mexico, secured the interim WBO title by stopping Liam Wilson in seven rounds in March.
“The WBO World Championship Committee is hereby ordering the commencement of negotiations between WBO Jr. Lightweight Champion, Emanuel Navarrete and the WBO Interim Jr. Lightweight Champion, Oscar Valdez to terminate the Interim status in the referenced division,” read the letter from the WBO to Arum. “Therefore, the parties are granted 20-days upon issuance of this notice letter to negotiate and reach an agreement, or purse bid proceedings will be ordered per WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.
“The minimum acceptable bid for the WBO Jr. Lightweight Division is $150,000 (One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars). Any of the parties involved may request a purse bid procedure at any time during the negotiation process.”
By Lucas Ketelle