EMANUEL Navarrete believes extra than simply his WBO super-featherweight might be on the road in his title defence towards Oscar Valdez. The pair conflict within the Footprint Area, Arizona, on Saturday night (December 7) as a part of an intriguing ESPN double-header that sees Ricardo Espinoza defend his WBO featherweight title towards the person he snatched it from, Robeisy Ramirez.
Like Espinoza-Ramirez, Navarrete-Valdez is a rematch. They already clashed in August 2023, the place Navarrete defeated Valdez by scores of 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109. The combat felt nearer and extra aggressive than the final two totals recommend. It was a fierce, passionate battle that noticed Navarrete use his energy and guile to edge forward down the stretch. A nationalistic rivalry means he’s not taking something with no consideration within the return fixture.
“There’s quite a lot of delight at stake, particularly in a Mexico vs. Mexico battle. When you might have that dynamic, there’s all the time going to be delight. Valdez and I do know that provides extra significance to this combat,” mentioned Navarrete, 38-2-1 (31 KOs).
Emanuel Navarrete vs Oscar Valdez I
Navarrete continues to be the 130-pound belt holder regardless of an ill-fated journey north that led to defeat when trying to wrestle the WBO light-weight title from Denys Berinchyk. Mission to change into a four-weight king failed, and Emanuel now slides again down to choose his outdated belt up and resume life at junior light-weight.
Navarrete added: “I do know what occurred towards Berinchyk. Nothing was controversial about it, and I need to return to light-weight sooner or later. After I combat at light-weight once more, I might be a lot better than I used to be towards Berinchyk.
“I imagine it is going to be an excellent higher combat as a result of we’re conversant in each other. That can result in extra exchanges and higher motion for the followers.”
“I’m working laborious as a result of I do know I have to push Valdez to his limits. The second half of the combat might be much less about approach and extra about bodily coaching and who’s the perfect ready to resist the punches.”
