EMANUEL Navarrete will rematch Oscar Valdez in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 7 on top of a card that includes another return fixture between Rafael Espinoza and Robeisy Ramirez. Navarrete puts his WBO super-featherweight title on the line against the man he defeated in August 2023. Espinoza, meanwhile, defends the same WBO featherweight title he took from Cuba’s Ramirez in a late 2023 thriller.
The first time Navarrete faced Valdez, he won fairly wide on two of the cards. They were, however, stylistically well-matched. Since that night, things have not gone to plan for Navarrete, who drew with Robson Conceicao and moved up in weight to fight Denys Berinchyk at lightweight, losing a split decision.
That decision was more of a move up and see what happens, keeping his title at the weight below as a contingency (yes, you can do that) rather than “daring to be great,” as the modern-day phrase goes. Despite that defeat, Emanuel, 38-2-1 (31 KOs), is promising improvements.
“The fans will see the same ‘Vaquero’ as always. We’re working hard to regain the aggressiveness that defines me and give all the fans the intense fight they want to see on December 7,” Navarrete said. “I still have a lot to do and big goals to accomplish in boxing, including unifying my title and possibly moving back up to 135 pounds.”
Valdez, 32-2 (24 KOs), responded: “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to fight for the WBO world title against a great fighter like ‘Vaquero’ Navarrete. Although we lost the first fight, we stayed disciplined and focused on returning stronger.
“I know it’s a tough challenge, but not impossible. With that in mind, we returned to the gym and studied what we did wrong in the first fight to avoid making the same mistakes. I’m excited and confident that we will be victorious this time.”
Robeisy lost his title in a war to Espinoza
In the other main clash, 30-year-old Rafael Espinoza, 25-0 (21 KOs), defends his world title for the second time, returning with the man he snatched it from in the first place. That first encounter was a classic back-and-forth clash that saw both men hit the deck before the Mexican scraped out a majority decision win.
“Our first fight was extremely close, action-packed, and regarded by many as ‘Fight of the Year,’” said the now-challenger Robeisy Ramirez. “Since the cards were read, my team and I have been asking for the rematch. On December 7, I’m coming to erase any doubts. I will reclaim my title.”
Espinoza made a dominating defence in June, battering Sergio Chirino Sanchez in four rounds, dropping the 22-1 challenger multiple times. Ramirez, who had found his way to world level following a debut defeat setback, will not fall as easily.
“I know the fans, just like me, have been looking forward to this fight. It’s a fight that I wanted. I’m very motivated and happy, and I’m training at 100 per cent. This night of rematches will be great for Mexico, and I’m ready to give it my all, just like I always do,” responded the champion, Espinoza.
Lindolfo Delgado faces Jackson Marinez on the undercard over 10 rounds at super-lightweight. Emiliano Vargas goes in with Alan Ayala, also at 140. Heavyweight prospect Richard Torrez Jr is pencilled in, with an opponent not yet confirmed.
