Navarrete Retains His WBO Junior Lightweight Title With A Win Over Oscar Valdez

Emanuel Navarrete overcame Oscar Valdez to keep his WBO belt in the junior lightweight division via a unanimous decision.

In a fight where both fighters were looking to stamp their authority, Navarrete put Valdez on the defensive.

Navarrete was very busy, as his punch output was larger with a 21 percent connect rate. As a result, Valdez’s cheek bone began to swell up.

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

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

As both fighters engaged, Navarrete’s right hand suffered damage as the former reduced his work rate at the halfway stage.

However, Valdez pushed back in the second half. A left hook shook Navarrete, as the latter resorted to clinching.

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

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

As Valdez knew he was behind on the scorecards, a right hand followed which sent Navarrete staggering back.

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

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

In the latter parts of the bout, however, Navarrete increased his pressure as he won on the scorecards: 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

“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

Results

Emanuel Navarrete beat Oscar Valdez via a unanimous decision: 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109

Richard Torrez Jr. beat Willie Jake Jr. via a first-round TKO

Lindolfo Delgado beat Jair Valtierra via a unanimous decision: 98-92, 99-91 & 99-91

Emiliano Fernando Vargas beat Jorge Luis Marquez Alvarado via a second-round TKO

Sergio Rodriguez beat Eduardo Ayala via a second-round TKO

Ricardo Ruvalcaba beat Adam Kipenga via a second-round TKO

Antonio Mireles beat Dajuan Calloway via a sixth-round TKO