Emanuel Navarrete and Oscar Valdez are two of this era’s most achieved Mexican warriors, they usually enter their December 7 rematch at Footprint Heart in Phoenix with one thing to show.
WBO junior light-weight world champion Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) returns to defend his crown following Might’s choice defeat to Denys Berinchyk for the vacant WBO light-weight world title. Whereas he fell brief in his mission to develop into a four-weight world champion, Navarrete intends to re-assert his place atop the division hierarchy.
Former two-weight champion Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs) hopes to develop into a two-time junior light-weight king and avenge his August 2023 choice loss to Navarrete. That night, Navarrete prevailed by unanimous choice in a toe-to-toe battle that left Valdez bruised and bloodied.
Navarrete educated within the mountains of Mexico, whereas Valdez spent greater than two months in San Diego. That is what they needed to say forward of the sequel.
Emanuel Navarrete
“There may be numerous satisfaction at stake, particularly in a Mexico vs. Mexico battle. When you may have that dynamic, there’s all the time going to be satisfaction. Valdez and I do know that provides extra significance to this combat.”
“I consider it will likely be an excellent higher combat as a result of we’re aware of each other. That can result in extra exchanges and higher motion for the followers.”
“I’m working arduous as a result of I do know I have to push Valdez to his limits. The second half of the combat will likely be much less about method and extra about bodily coaching and who’s one of the best ready to resist the punches.”
“I do know what occurred towards Berinchyk. Nothing was controversial about it, and I need to return to light-weight someday. After I combat at light-weight once more, I will likely be a lot better than I used to be towards Berinchyk.”
Oscar Valdez
“I’ve just a few extra battles left in me. I really feel nice. I confirmed I had loads left in my final combat once I beat Liam Wilson. I used to be emotional as a result of I knew beating Wilson would punch my ticket to an excellent greater combat. I’m excited to be sharing the ring with a warrior like ‘Vaquero’ once more and to have the chance to win the WBO junior light-weight championship.”
“I’m on the level of my profession the place I respect all the things and revel in each second, whether or not working, sparring, or simply having a espresso. I benefit from the fights and am grateful for all the things in life.”
“I’m again within the gymnasium coaching for a second alternative at Navarrete, what we did fallacious, watching movie, and dealing arduous to right errors. Not everybody will get a second likelihood. I’ll benefit from it. I’m not losing days.”
“I do know what to anticipate from Navarrete. I do know what to coach for. I’ve educated arduous and good for this combat. Within the first combat, I made a number of errors. My greatest mistake was making an attempt to knock out my opponent. I all the time need to give the followers what they pay for, however I centered on the knockout as a substitute of sticking to my recreation plan. I’m working smarter, combating smarter, and bringing in sparring companions that higher imitate his type.”
“The boxing followers in Arizona are extremely supportive. Among the most memorable nights of my profession have taken place there, and I sit up for giving the followers in Phoenix an action-packed battle.”
Navarrete-Valdez II and the featherweight rematch between WBO champion Rafael Espinoza and Cuban star Robeisy Ramirez will likely be broadcast dwell on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT. Sky Sports activities could have protection within the U.Okay. and Eire.

Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Govt Author, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a ardour for Fight Sports activities and likewise a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s additionally a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.
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