Navarrete Beats Oscar Valdez To Retain His WBO Junior Lightweight Title

November 15, 2023

1 year

Emanuel Navarrete beat Oscar Valdez via a unanimous decision to stamp his authority in the junior lightweight division, as he retained his WBO belt.

The victory was huge, given that Valdez was a two-time world champion. Prior to this defeat, his only defeat was to Shakur Stevenson.

Navarrete used his reach advantage to great use, as his strength and size kept Valdez on the backfoot, as the latter began to second-guess his punches in the early rounds.

Early Action

VALDEZ IS HURT EARLY 🫨#NavarreteValdez | @ESPN pic.twitter.com/u1sqGz7aqO

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) August 13, 2023

The statistics backed this up. Navarrete threw over 1,000 punches in a fight where he outworked Valdez. Although the connect rate was just 21 percent, the fact of the matter is that it did do damage.

Valdez’s right cheekbone suffered extensive damage. And yet, that was countered by the fact that Navarrete suffered an injury to his right hand, which showed as he slowed the pace down at the midway point.

That is when Valdez began to add the pressure. He landed a huge left hook thereafter. His attempts at following up failed, as Navarrete engaged in a clinch.

Valdez connects on his biggest shot so far 👀 pic.twitter.com/yI5uqkksIP

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) August 13, 2023

Another moment of success followed with a huge right hand, as Valdez pushed back, knowing he was behind on the cards.

ANOTHER MOMENT FOR VALDEZ 🍿 pic.twitter.com/iyJNlRyJ5P

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) August 13, 2023

But as the fight progressed, Navarrete stepped on the gas as Valdez’s right eye began to close. As the fight went the distance, the judges had it all in favor of Navarrete: 116-112, 118-110, and 119-109.

Reaction

“You were able to witness the next chapter in the great Mexican rivalries. I want to thank Oscar Valdez as well, because he came out here and gave all his heart. We delivered everything we promised we would.

“I’m going to leave it in the hands of the fans. They’re the best judges, and if they want to see this fight again, they’re going to get online and push for it,” Navarrete said

“He’s just a warrior. I tried my best. We gave it our best is all I can say. I’m sorry I disappointed everybody who came here to support me. I feel terrible,” Valdez